Andy Montoya
Mozzarella sticks are a beloved snack for both children and adults. They are easy to make and even easier to eat! Gooey, crispy, and crunchy, they are the perfect appetiser for game days and parties. This oven-baked snack is a healthier alternative to fried cheese sticks, and can be made in large batches, making it a great recipe for the whole family to enjoy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 400-425°F |
| Baking sheet lining | Aluminum foil, parchment paper, or silicone mat |
| Coating | Flour, egg, breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese |
| Cooking time | 3-20 minutes |
| Cooling time | 1-2 minutes |
| Dipping sauce | Honey mustard, ranch, marinara |
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What You'll Learn
Oven temperature: 400-450°F
To make cheese sticks in the oven, first prepare your cheese sticks by dredging them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Be sure to use cheese strings, as they melt better and help keep the cheese from leaking out. You can also add Italian seasoning to your breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Once your cheese sticks are prepared, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Preheat your oven to between 400 and 450°F.
If your oven is at 450°F, bake your cheese sticks for 9-11 minutes or until the crumbs are crisp and the cheese is melted. If your cheese sticks are frozen, bake them for 10-20 minutes or until heated through. If your oven is at 400°F, bake your cheese sticks for around 10 minutes, then flip them and bake until they are browned and crisp and hold their shape without drooping when lifted—this should take an additional 10 to 20 minutes.
Remember, the higher the temperature, the crispier the bread crumbs on the outside of the cheese sticks. However, be careful not to overcook your cheese sticks, as the cheese may start to ooze out. If you find that your cheese sticks are cooking too quickly, simply lower the oven temperature.
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Butter bread, not pan
To make cheese on toast in the oven, you'll want to start by generously buttering your bread and placing it on a baking tray lined with foil or baking paper. Some recipes suggest that you bake the bread first, melting the butter, and then add the cheese to melt, but you can also add the cheese before placing the bread in the oven.
If you're adding the cheese after toasting the bread, bake the bread for 3 minutes or until the butter is melted. Then, take it out of the oven and add your cheese. You can use grated or sliced cheese, but note that grated cheese will melt more easily and create a lighter texture. Cover the bread with cheese, and add any additional toppings, such as mustard, mayonnaise, or Worcestershire sauce. Then, place the tray back in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with golden brown patches.
If you're adding the cheese before toasting the bread, simply cover the bread with cheese and add any additional toppings before placing the bread in the oven. Bake for around 5 minutes or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted and bubbling.
By buttering the bread instead of the pan, you'll get an even layer of butter and avoid any unbuttered patches. This method also ensures that the butter is evenly distributed and doesn't pool in certain areas, creating a more consistent flavor and texture. Additionally, buttering the bread directly allows for better control over the amount of butter used, so you can adjust the butter-to-bread ratio to your preference.
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Layer cheese
When making cheese sucks in the oven, it is important to layer the cheese properly to ensure even cooking and to prevent the cheese from sticking to the baking sheet. Here is a step-by-step guide to layering cheese for oven-baked cheese sucks:
Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminium foil. This creates a base for your cheese sucks and makes cleanup easier. If using parchment paper, ensure it covers the entire baking sheet to prevent the cheese from melting onto the pan.
Form the Cheese Layers:
Grate or shred your desired cheese into a bowl. You can use a single type of cheese or a combination of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan. Spread the cheese out evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Form the cheese into thin circles or mounds, leaving some space between each circle to allow for even cooking and expansion. Aim for a thickness of about 1 tablespoon per circle.
Add Seasonings (Optional):
Before baking, you can add various seasonings to your cheese layers to enhance the flavour. Try using garlic powder, taco seasoning, or a combination of mustard and mayonnaise for a more decadent flavour profile. You can also layer other ingredients, such as sliced ham, under the cheese for an extra savoury touch.
Bake and Monitor:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is golden brown and lacy. The baking time will vary depending on your oven temperature and the thickness of your cheese layers. For thinner cheese sucks, bake for approximately 6 to 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cheese sucks during the baking process to prevent overcooking or burning.
Cooling and Serving:
Once the cheese sucks are golden brown, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. Cheese sucks are best served warm, so time your baking accordingly. You can serve them as a snack or appetizer, and they pair well with various dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce.
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Bake 5-10 mins
When making cheese crisps or sucks in the oven, the baking time will depend on the type of cheese and the desired crispness. For example, Parmesan cheese crisps baked for 6 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit turned out perfectly crisp. On the other hand, cheddar cheese sucks may turn out greasy.
If you are aiming for a gooey texture, a lower temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes will do the trick. You can then bump up the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of minutes to finish. The cheese sucks are done when you see the edges start to darken.
Another option is to bake the cheese sucks at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes, and if you are using cheese cubes, increase the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 minutes.
Remember, the key to achieving the perfect cheese sucks is to let them cool before removing them from the baking sheet. This will ensure they come off the pan easily and maintain their crisp texture.
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Don't let cheese brown
To prevent cheese from browning in the oven, there are several methods you can try. Firstly, it is important to understand that browning occurs due to the Maillard Reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that results in the brown colour and toasted flavour of many cooked foods, including cheese.
One way to avoid browning is to control the cooking temperature. Lower temperatures can prevent browning, but this may also result in uneven cooking or a soggy texture. For pizzas, it is recommended to cook at temperatures between 425°F and 450°F for 15 minutes. However, some home ovens may not reach these temperatures, so adjusting cooking times accordingly may be necessary.
Another strategy is to cook the base first and add the cheese later. Par-cooking the dough with just the sauce and then adding the cheese towards the end of the cooking process can help prevent over-browning. This method allows you to control the melting and browning of the cheese separately from the cooking of the base.
Additionally, the type of cheese you use can impact browning. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-clumping agents like potato starch, which can cause it to brown faster than cheese grated at home. Choosing a different type of cheese or grating your own cheese can help you avoid premature browning.
Finally, if you're looking for a crispy, browned effect without the actual browning of the cheese, you can try using parchment paper. Heat a pan, place the paper on it, and then put your cheese on the paper. This technique will give you a crispy result without the cheese taking on a brown colour.
Remember, if your cheese does brown, it's generally safe to eat as long as it's not burnt or charred. The browning is simply the Maillard Reaction taking place, and it adds a toasted flavour to your dish. However, if the cheese is burnt, it's best to discard it as it may not be safe for consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese sticks should be baked in the oven for 8-11 minutes, depending on the size of the sticks and the number being cooked.
Preheat your oven to between 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher the temperature, the crispier the bread crumbs, but be careful not to overcook, as the cheese will melt and ooze out.
First, dredge the cheese sticks in flour, dip them in beaten egg, and then coat them in a breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated cheese sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours. Once frozen, place them on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
