Are you ready to transform your favorite guilty pleasure into a nutritious, mouthwatering treat? Say goodbye to greasy, deep-fried mozzarella sticks and hello to a baked version that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly healthy! Our Baked Mozzarella Sticks Healthy Makeover is about to revolutionize your snack game, proving that eating well doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your mozzarella sticks cook evenly and achieve a nice golden color.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray. This will prevent the cheese sticks from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs.
- In another shallow bowl, beat the egg until well combined. This will be used to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the mozzarella sticks.
- Take each mozzarella cheese stick and first dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off.
- Next, roll the egg-coated mozzarella stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well. Repeat this process for all cheese sticks.
- Once all the mozzarella sticks are coated, place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each stick to allow for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the tops of the mozzarella sticks with cooking spray. This will help them achieve a crispy texture as they bake.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mozzarella sticks are golden brown and the cheese is melty. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove the mozzarella sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese set slightly and make them easier to handle.
- Serve the baked mozzarella sticks warm, accompanied by your favorite marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy your healthy makeover of this classic Italian appetizer!
Tips
- Chill Your Cheese: For best results, freeze the mozzarella sticks for about 15 minutes before coating. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during baking.
- Breadcrumb Secret: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added nutrition and a slightly nutty flavor. The Parmesan cheese adds an extra layer of crispy goodness.
- Even Coating Matters: Make sure to completely coat each stick in egg and breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between the sticks on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Watch Closely: Ovens can vary, so start checking your mozzarella sticks at the 12-minute mark to prevent burning.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with a homemade marinara sauce or a light yogurt-based dip to keep the healthy theme going.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare these in advance and freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking from frozen.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg
