Skinny Mozzarella Sticks

An appetizer favorite that's baked, not fried! Crunchy on the outside with gooey cheesy goodness on the inside!

Servings

Calories 12kcal

Author Sara

Cut cheese sticks in half - you'll have 32 sticks.
Whisk the eggs and the milk in a bowl until combined.
Combine panko and bread crumbs in another bowl.
Dip each cheese stick in the egg mixture, then the crumb mixture and place on lightly greased cookie sheet.
Place in freezer for about an hour.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with non-stick cooking spray.
Bake in the oven for 5 minutes.
Turn and bake for another 4-5 minutes taking care to ensure the sticks don't melt.
Allow to cool for 1-2 minutes and serve with dipping sauce.

Choosing the Right Cheese: Opt for low-fat or part-skim mozzarella string cheese to keep the calorie count lower in your Skinny Mozzarella Sticks. These options still provide the cheesy goodness you crave without adding unnecessary calories and fat. Check the nutrition labels to find the healthiest option available.
Baking Technique for Crispy Coating: To achieve a crispy coating without deep frying, ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (400 degrees Fahrenheit) before baking the mozzarella sticks. Additionally, placing the coated sticks in the freezer for an hour before baking helps the breading adhere better and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly in the oven. This results in crunchy, golden-brown mozzarella sticks with a gooey center.
Preventing Sticking: To prevent the mozzarella sticks from sticking to the baking sheet, lightly grease it with cooking spray before placing the sticks on it. This ensures easy removal after baking and helps maintain the integrity of the crispy coating. Additionally, spraying the tops of the mozzarella sticks with non-stick cooking spray before baking helps them achieve a crispy texture on all sides.