Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

These crispy, cheesy, and mess-free Oven-Baked Mozzarella Sticks Recipe proves you don’t need a vat of oil for a seriously tasty app!

One of the first “fancy” dates with my high school sweetheart (now wife) was at this posh lakeside restaurant. You know the type. Candlelit tables, black-tie waiters, and a menu filled with things like trout and steak tartare. Needless to say, I felt massively underdressed in my jeans and polo shirt. Also, I had no idea what I was doing, only that I was about to spend my entire paycheck trying to impress her. And the worst part was that I didn’t like anything on the menu.

Then, I received a gift from the food gods. I spotted mozzarella sticks under the appetizer section. What a miracle. We ordered them, along with a mixed green salad and tomato bisque to keep up appearances. Then we scarfed them down and promptly ditched the place for a burger joint. I still cringe when I think of the embarrassingly low tip I gave our poor waiter who had to deal with us two young philistines.

Anyway, that date cemented mozzarella sticks as one of my favorite foods—less because of the cheese and more because of the memory. To this day, every time we order mozzarella sticks, we must tell this tale. Though, now that I’m older, I don’t crave them as much. And when I do, I usually make them at home thanks to this oven-baked mozzarella sticks recipe. It’s got all the flavor without the grease of its deep-fried counterpart. 

Even though they’re baked, these sticks still offer a crispy breading that houses a log of stretchy, melted cheese inside. And with the bread crumbs and a little Italian seasoning, they taste like something you’d get at a restaurant—maybe even a four-star, steak tartare-type restaurant.

Are These Oven Baked Mozzarella Sticks Healthy?

Well, compared to the deep-fried kind, these oven-baked mozzarella sticks are healthier. But let’s not kid ourselves. This is cheese coated with bread. And if you’re like me, there is no way I’m only eating just one baked mozzarella stick. However, baking instead of frying is still a better option, calorically speaking. Also, if you want to make them even lighter, you can always use low-fat mozzarella sticks. 

Need them gluten-free (GF)? Just use a GF flour blend and bread crumbs. For those watching their carbs, use crushed almonds instead of bread crumbs. It sounds weird, but it tastes fantastic!

Do I Really Have To Freeze The Mozzarella Sticks Before Baking?

You might be tempted to skip the freezing step for time’s sake, but don’t. For one thing, that two-hour freeze time helps the breading adhere to the cheese better. No one wants a patchy mozzarella stick!

Another reason for this step is that the cheese melts way too fast if you bake it without freezing first. You’ll end up with cracked breaded shells drowning in a pool of cheese lava. Freezing keeps everything firm long enough for the outside to crisp. Don’t worry—the cheese will still melt, but without the molten mess!

Serving Suggestions

These mozzarella sticks practically demand a good dipping sauce. Classic marinara is the way to go, but if you want to switch things up, try them with homemade ranch or even some freshly made pesto. If you’re serving this for a party or game day, pair this with other easy but tasty apps like Air-Fryer Chicken Wings and Crock-Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip With Cauliflower.

Recipe