Description
These 5-minute baked mozzarella sticks are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, made with string cheese, toasted panko, and parmesan. A quick, lighter alternative to frying, they’re the perfect snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- ½ cup panko crumbs
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, wrappers removed
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toast panko crumbs in a skillet over medium heat until golden, 3–5 minutes. Let cool, then mix with parmesan and salt.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: flour, beaten egg, and panko mixture.
- Dip each mozzarella stick in flour (shake off excess), coat in egg, then roll in panko mixture until fully coated.
- Arrange coated sticks on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 3 minutes, then transfer pan to a wire rack for 1–2 minutes before serving immediately.
Notes
- Add Italian seasoning to panko for extra flavor.
- Swap parmesan for pecorino for a sharper taste.
- Add cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy version.
- Try with cheddar or pepper jack cheese sticks for variety.
- Serve with marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
