How to Prepare Baked Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce

If you’re a fan of gooey, melted cheese with a crispy coating, then baked mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce are your dream come true! Not only are they delicious, but they’re also easy to make at home. Say goodbye to store-bought versions or waiting to order them at a restaurant. By following this simple guide, you can whip up a batch of this beloved appetizer right in your own kitchen. Bonus: We’re baking, not frying, making them a smidge healthier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with what you’ll need. For the mozzarella sticks:

12 pieces of mozzarella string cheese
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon of water
1 cup of bread crumbs (Italian seasoned works great)
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or olive oil

For the homemade marinara sauce:

1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Steps to Make the Mozzarella Sticks

Prepare for Baking: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to ensure the mozzarella sticks don’t stick.
Freeze the Cheese: While your oven is heating up, take your mozzarella sticks and freeze them for about 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape better when baking.
Coating the Cheese: Create a breading station with three bowls. In the first bowl, put the flour. Beat the eggs with the tablespoon of water in the second bowl. In the third bowl, mix the bread crumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Breading: Roll each frozen cheese stick in the flour (this helps the egg to stick), dip it in the egg mixture, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
Bake: Arrange the coated cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 4 to 5 minutes. Then, flip them over and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy, and the cheese starts to ooze a bit.
Rest: Allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. They’re hot!

Making the Marinara Sauce

While your mozzarella sticks are cooling down, you can quickly whip up this simple yet delicious marinara sauce.

Sauté: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Simmer: Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce come to a low simmer. Continue to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or in a blender after it has cooled a bit.
Season: Give your marinara sauce a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Maybe it needs a touch more salt or a bit more basil. Make it your own!

Time to Enjoy!

Now, grab some marinara sauce, either in a bowl for dipping or drizzle it elegantly over your freshly baked mozzarella sticks. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for a party, a family movie night, or simply when you’re in the mood for some cheesy goodness.

Not only is this recipe delightfully straightforward, but it’s also a fun one to make with the kids or friends. Everyone can get involved in the breading process, making it a tasty and interactive kitchen adventure. So, next time you’re craving something cheesy, crispy, and utterly satisfying, give these baked mozzarella sticks with homemade marinara sauce a try. Enjoy!