Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks
These crispy baked mozzarella sticks are the perfect party appetizer or snack. They're made with just a few simple ingredients and can be ready in under 30 minutes. The key to getting the perfect crunch is to double-coat the mozzarella sticks in breadcrumbs, which creates a crispy exterior that's perfectly golden brown.
Mozzarella sticks are a classic Italian-American appetizer that are typically made with breaded and fried mozzarella cheese. While they're delicious, they can be a bit greasy and time-consuming to make. This recipe for baked mozzarella sticks is a healthier and easier alternative that still delivers all the flavor and crunch of the traditional version. I first developed this recipe a few years ago when I was looking for a way to make mozzarella sticks that were both healthier and easier to make than the traditional fried version. I experimented with a few different breading options before settling on a combination of almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. This combination gives the mozzarella sticks a crispy exterior that's not too heavy or greasy. The key to getting the perfect crunch is to double-coat the mozzarella sticks in breadcrumbs. This creates a barrier between the cheese and the heat of the oven, which prevents the cheese from melting out and becoming soggy. I also like to drizzle the mozzarella sticks with olive oil before baking them. This helps to give them a golden brown color and a slightly crispy exterior.
Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks Crispy Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a shallow bowl, combine the almond flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Dip the mozzarella cubes into the egg, then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture. (repeat for entire batch)
  5. Place the mozzarella sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mozzarella sticks are golden brown and crispy.
  8. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Why It Works
  • Double-coating the mozzarella sticks in breadcrumbs creates a crispy exterior that's not too heavy or greasy.
  • Drizzling the mozzarella sticks with olive oil before baking them helps to give them a golden brown color and a slightly crispy exterior.
  • Baking the mozzarella sticks at a high temperature helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the cheese melted and gooey.