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Crispy Oven Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Perfect for Easy Snacking

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These crispy oven baked mozzarella sticks are a quick and easy snack with a crunchy coating and melty cheese inside, served perfectly with a tangy marinara dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks, preferably low-moisture
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing the baking sheet
  • 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Prep your coating stations: In one bowl, add the ½ cup flour. In the second, beat the 2 large eggs until smooth. In the third, combine 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well.
  2. Coat the mozzarella sticks: Working one at a time, roll each stick in flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks well.
  3. Double coat for extra crunch: Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step one more time for a thicker, crunchier crust.
  4. Freeze the coated sticks: Place the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray generously with cooking spray.
  6. Arrange and bake: Place the frozen mozzarella sticks on the baking sheet or wire rack, spaced evenly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle a bit of olive oil. Bake for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through for even crisping.
  7. Prepare the marinara sauce: While baking, warm your marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Add fresh basil or red pepper flakes if desired. Keep warm until ready to serve.
  8. Serve immediately: Let the mozzarella sticks sit for 1-2 minutes to firm up slightly. Serve with the warm marinara dip on the side.

Notes

Double coating and freezing the sticks before baking is key to preventing cheese leaks and achieving a crispy crust. Using a wire rack helps air circulate for even crisping. For extra crispiness, broil for 1 minute at the end but watch carefully to avoid burning. Reheat leftovers in the oven, not microwave, to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella sticks, oven baked, crispy, easy snack, marinara dip, cheesy snack, appetizer, party food

Find it online: https://grubella.com/crispy-oven-baked-mozzarella-sticks-recipe-perfect-for-easy-snacking/