Healthy Mozzarella Sticks with String Cheese
There’s something instantly comforting about a golden, crunchy exterior giving way to a warm, milky ribbon of melted mozzarella. The aroma of toasted breadcrumbs and Italian herbs; the gentle pull of cheese stretching from stick to plate; the first bite that’s at once crisp and creamy—this recipe captures all of that joy in a healthier, oven-baked version using string cheese. It’s the kind of snack that sparks smiles among kids and adults alike, perfect for weekend gatherings, a cozy movie night, or a quick after-school pick-me-up. Light enough to serve alongside a salad for a casual lunch, yet fun enough to star at game-day spread or a holiday appetizer table, these mozzarella sticks are comfort food made mindful.
At a Glance
- Prep Time: 20 minutes active (plus 1 hour freezing)
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes (including freezer time)
- Servings: 5 (each serving = 2 whole string cheese sticks, breaded and baked)
- Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner cooks
Nutrition Highlights
Estimated nutrition per serving (serving = 2 whole string cheese sticks breaded; recipe yields 5 servings). These are approximate values calculated from standard ingredient databases (USDA FoodData Central) and rounded for clarity. Individual brands and portion sizes will change totals.
- Calories: ~315 kcal
- Protein: ~19 g
- Carbohydrates: ~27 g
- Fat: ~15 g
- Sodium: ~500–650 mg
Notes on these numbers:
- Estimates are based on typical part-skim mozzarella string cheese (~80 kcal, 6 g protein each) and common values for flour, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and eggs (USDA FoodData Central). For guidance about daily nutrient targets and sodium recommendations, reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic and U.S. government dietary guidelines are helpful references.
Perfect For…
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crowd-pleasing texture: Crunchy, herb-forward coating with a gooey cheese center.
- Fast, family-friendly: Prep quickly and freeze briefly so you can bake on demand.
- Health-forward swap: Oven-baked + whole wheat breadcrumbs reduce oil and add fiber compared with deep-fried versions.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, kid’s after-school snack, or part of a casual buffet—especially when you want something nostalgic without the extra grease.
How to Make Healthy Mozzarella Sticks with String Cheese
Ingredients:
- 10 string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil cooking spray
Optional ingredients / substitutions:
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch (replace whole wheat breadcrumbs 1:1).
- For gluten-free: substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- For lower sodium: use low-sodium string cheese and reduce added salt.
- For dairy-free/vegan: use vegan mozzarella sticks (brands vary) and an aquafaba egg wash or plant-based milk + cornstarch binder.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan) to the breadcrumbs for more savory depth.
Method (step-by-step):
- Begin by carefully unwrapping each string cheese stick from its packaging, and then cut each one in half to create two smaller sticks.
- In a small bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
- In another separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until completely combined.
- In a third bowl, mix the whole wheat breadcrumbs with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each piece of string cheese into the flour, ensuring it is lightly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the cheese stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Roll the cheese stick in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese.
- Place the breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat the process for all pieces.
- Once all cheese sticks are coated, place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This helps to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the sticks from the freezer and lightly spray each one with olive oil cooking spray to promote browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, turning them over halfway through, until they become golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
Practical tips:
- Freeze long enough: don’t skip the freezing step—this is the key to keeping the cheese from leaking before the crust crisps.
- Watch closely near the end: ovens vary; start checking at 8 minutes to avoid over-baking (cheese should be hot and gooey, coating golden).
- Make ahead: bread and freeze on a tray, then transfer to an airtight bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes if needed.
- Avoid soggy crust: pat breadcrumbs gently but firmly so they adhere; avoid over-saturating in the egg wash.
Best Pairings
- Marinara dipping sauce (classic): serve warm with a simple tomato-basil marinara.
- Spicy options: pair with a roasted red pepper dip or sriracha-mayo for a kick.
- Lighter pairing: a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances richness.
- Beverage ideas: lemonade or iced tea for daytime snacks; a light lager or sparkling water with lime for casual entertaining.
- Kid-friendly presentation: serve with small bowls of marinara, ranch, and honey mustard to let kids choose.
Keeping it Fresh
- Room temperature: Because these contain cheese, do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Re-crisp in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 6–8 minutes.
- Freezer: After breading, freeze on a single layer until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen (add a couple of minutes to baking time) until golden and hot.
Chef’s Advice
- Best string cheese: choose part-skim low-moisture mozzarella for the right stretch without excessive oil. Full-fat will be richer but may release more oil.
- Breadcrumb texture: whole wheat gives flavor and fiber; panko yields the crispiest result.
- Don’t double-dip later: if you need a heavier coating, do three-stage breading (flour → egg → breadcrumbs → egg → breadcrumbs) but freeze longer before baking to prevent leaks.
- Browning cue: look for even golden-brown color; if one side browns faster, rotate the tray rather than extending time excessively.
Creative Twists
- Spicy Italian: mix 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes into the breadcrumbs and serve with arrabbiata sauce.
- Herby-parmesan crust: add 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley to the breadcrumbs.
- Everything bagel crust: use everything bagel seasoning in the breadcrumb mix for a savory, nutty flavor.
- Vegan option: use vegan mozzarella logs and an aquafaba wash; substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
- Gluten-free crunch: swap in certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and rice flour for coating.
Recipe Q&A
Q: Can I use full-size mozzarella blocks and cut strips instead of string cheese?
A: Yes, but portion control and thickness matter. Cut into similar-sized sticks and freeze longer before baking to reduce leaking.
Q: My crust falls off after baking—what did I do wrong?
A: Likely not pressing the breadcrumbs firmly enough or not freezing long enough before baking. Press crumbs on gently and ensure the coated sticks freeze solid before oven time.
Q: Can I shallow fry these for extra crispiness?
A: Yes—if you prefer frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry briefly (about 1–2 minutes) until golden. Drain on paper towels. Note frying increases fat and calories.
Q: How can I reduce sodium?
A: Use low-sodium or no-salt-added string cheese, reduce or omit the added salt in the breadcrumb mix, and use low-sodium marinara.
Q: Can I bake multiple trays at once?
A: Yes—rotate trays between racks halfway through baking for even color and texture. Make sure there’s space for air circulation.
Conclusion
If you love the nostalgic pull of mozzarella sticks but want a lighter, oven-baked version, this recipe delivers crisp texture and melty cheese with minimal fuss. Try the basic method once, then experiment with the creative variations to make it your own. For more inspiration and similar homemade takes, check out this detailed recipe at Fox Valley Foodie’s Homemade Mozzarella Sticks with String Cheese, and for another healthy approach and tips, see the Easy Healthy Mozzarella Sticks guide from Pound Dropper. Share your photos and tweaks—I’d love to see how you make these your own!
Print
Healthy Mozzarella Sticks with String Cheese
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A healthier, oven-baked version of classic mozzarella sticks using string cheese, perfect for snacks or appetizers.
Ingredients
- 10 string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Unwrap each string cheese stick and cut each one in half to create two smaller sticks.
- In a small bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until completely combined.
- In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip the cheese sticks into the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently.
- Place the breadcrumb-coated sticks on a lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove sticks from the freezer and lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
Ensure the cheese sticks freeze long enough to prevent leaking during baking. For extra crunch, panko breadcrumbs can be used.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
