Ingredients:

  • 16 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (string cheese), preferably whole milk, (approx. 450g / 16 oz)
  • 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (60g), plus more for dusting
  • 2 Large Eggs (approx. 100g), lightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs (120g)
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (30g)
  • 1 tbsp Dried Italian Herb Blend
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • Cooking Spray (for baking sheet)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (15ml)
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes (794g)
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Lightly dust the mozzarella sticks with flour.
  2. In three separate shallow dishes, place flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip each cheese stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. Repeat breading process for a double layer of breading.
  4. Arrange breaded cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze the cheese sticks.
  5. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in fresh basil (if using) at the end.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray. Arrange cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overbake, or the cheese will melt out.
  9. Serve the baked cheese sticks immediately with the warm spicy marinara sauce for dipping.