Description
These homemade baked mozzarella sticks are a healthier and equally delicious alternative to the fried version. They are incredibly easy to make, satisfyingly cheesy, and perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a fun meal. The secret lies in freezing the cheese sticks before and after breading, which helps them maintain their shape and prevents them from melting completely during baking. Double dipping in the breadcrumb mixture ensures a crispy, golden-brown coating that everyone will love.
Homemade Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients:
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half for 24 pieces)
2 eggs
1 tbsp milk
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano or parsley
Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions:
Cut cheese sticks in half. Freeze for at least 1 hour (helps them hold shape while baking).
In one bowl: beat eggs with milk.
In another bowl: mix breadcrumbs, panko, Parmesan, and seasonings.
Dip frozen cheese sticks into egg, then breadcrumb mix. For extra crispness, double dip: repeat egg and breadcrumbs once more. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze again for 30 minutes before baking (prevents melting too fast).
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray sticks with cooking oil. Bake for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and bubbly.
Serve hot with warm marinara or ranch dressing.
2️⃣Biscuit Pizza Bombs
Ingredients
1 can jumbo biscuits (8-count) — each cut in half to make 16 pieces
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup pizza sauce (plus extra for dipping)
1 cup mini pepperoni
2 tbsp melted butter
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Optional: grated Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough: Separate each jumbo biscuit, then cut each in half horizontally (like splitting for a sandwich). Flatten each half into a 3–4” circle.
Add filling: Spoon about 1 tsp pizza sauce in the center of each circle. Add cheese and 2 or 3 mini pepperoni slice.
Seal: Pinch edges together tightly to form a ball. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Butter topping: Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Brush over each bomb.
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
Serve: Brush again with a little butter if desired, sprinkle Parmesan, and serve with warm pizza sauce for dipping.
3️⃣Corn Cheese Balls
Ingredients:
1 cup sweet corn (boiled or canned)
1 small potato, boiled and mashed (helps bind the mixture)
½ cup mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella + cheddar)
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
2 tbsp cornstarch (plus extra for coating)
2 tbsp breadcrumbs (for mixing)
Oil for deep or shallow frying
For Coating:
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cornstarch
¼ cup water (to make a thin batter)
Breadcrumbs (for rolling)
Instructions:
Mix the filling:
In a large bowl, mash corn slightly (leave some whole for texture). Add mashed potato, cheese, onions, chilies, cilantro, chili flakes, pepper, salt, cornstarch, and breadcrumbs. Mix until it forms a soft dough-like consistency.
Shape into balls:
Take small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls.
Prepare the coating:
Mix flour, cornstarch, and water into a smooth batter. Dip each ball in the batter, then roll in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, double-coat (dip again and roll in breadcrumbs once more).
Chill (optional but helpful):
Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes — helps them hold shape while frying.
Fry until golden:
Heat oil on medium. Drop in the balls and fry until crisp and golden brown, about 3–4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
Serving Ideas
Serve hot with spicy mayo, sriracha, or sweet chili sauce.
You can even toss them in cheese sauce or drizzle with garlic butter for an indulgent twist.
4️⃣Cinnamon Bites (Soft & Buttery)
Ingredients
For the dough:
1 can refrigerated biscuit dough or crescent dough
4 tbsp melted butter
Cinnamon sugar coating:
½ cup granulated sugar
1–2 tsp ground cinnamon
Optional glaze:
½ cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep the coating
In a bowl, mix sugar + cinnamon and set aside. - Cut the dough
Open biscuit or crescent dough. Cut each biscuit into 4–6 small pieces. - Coat in butter
Dip each dough piece in melted butter. - Roll in cinnamon sugar
Coat each piece generously in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. - Bake
Place pieces on a lined baking sheet, spacing slightly apart. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until golden and puffed. - Add icing (optional)
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm bites.
5️⃣Homemade Churros (Easy & Authentic)
Ingredients
Churro Dough:
1 cup water
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ tsp salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
For Frying:
Oil (vegetable or canola)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
½ cup granulated sugar
1–2 tsp cinnamon
Optional Dipping Sauces:
Chocolate sauce
Dulce de leche
Caramel sauce
Nutella
Instructions
Make the dough
In a saucepan, add water, sugar, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Turn off heat and add the flour all at once. Stir quickly with a wooden spoon until it forms a smooth ball and pulls away from the pan. Let it cool 5 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until smooth and thick. (It’ll loo
