• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Gluten Free Italian Eats
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipe Index
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • About
    • Recipe Index
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » gluten free appetizers

    Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks (Baked)

    Apr 20, 2022 · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside with gooey cheese inside. This is the perfect appetizer to start any Italian dinner or party! If you’ve missed restaurant-style mozzarella sticks, these homemade baked mozzarella sticks will hit the spot without upsetting your tummy.

    overhead picture of gluten free mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce

    One of my favorite appetizers to order from restaurants is fried mozzarella sticks; is there anything better than fried cheese? I don’t think so. Unfortunately, once I went gluten free, ordering mozzarella sticks at a restaurant became a distant memory—sad times.

    Anyway, I can’t imagine going through life without enjoying mozzarella sticks, so like with all of my favorite Italian recipes, I created a gluten free version. 

    These gluten free mozzarella sticks are amazing, and everyone loves them – nobody even knows they’re gluten free.

    Check out my gluten free appetizers; this hot spinach artichoke dip is another favorite.

    Jump to:
    • Reasons you’ll love this recipe.
    • Ingredients
    • Supplies
    • How to Make Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks
    • Serving suggestions
    • Cooking Tips
    • Can I make gluten free mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?
    • Other Variations
    • Storage tips.
    • Other Gluten Free Italian Appetizers
    • Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks (Baked)
    • Did you make this recipe?

    Reasons you’ll love this recipe.

    • Everything you love about fried mozzarella sticks, but made totally gluten free.
    • Baked and not fried makes this appetizer a touch healthier and makes preparation and clean-up a breeze.
    • Cheaper than purchasing store-bought gluten free mozzarella sticks.
    • Make a couple of batches to freeze for a quick snack or an easy party appetizer on game day.

    Ingredients

    ingredients to make gluten free cheese sticks.
    • Mozzarella string cheese. I recommend using whole milk mozzarella string cheese sticks for maximum ooey gooey stretch. You can use fresh mozzarella, but it will melt faster than store-bought cheese sticks, so you’ll need to shorten the baking time.
    • Gluten free flour. You can use any gluten-free flour on hand in the pantry, and I mostly use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour. You can also use oat flour, white rice flour, and even almond flour.
    • Gluten free bread crumbs. I’ve made gluten-free mozzarella sticks with regular breadcrumbs and panko, and I prefer panko. Panko breadcrumbs give a crisp coating and taste more like traditional mozzarella sticks. Since I put together a seasoning blend for the breadcrumbs, I recommend purchasing plain breadcrumbs.
    • Seasoning. I use a seasoning blend of Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt for the best, most authentic restaurant-style mozzarella stick flavor. I strongly recommend using my homemade Italian seasoning, but if not, purchase a high-quality organic brand. Or use an equal amount of dried basil, oregano, or other italian spices and herbs.
    • Eggs and milk are whisked together to form an egg wash that helps the flour and breadcrumbs stick to the cheese stick. Use large eggs so there’s enough egg wash for all of the sticks.
    • Olive oil (not pictured) is used to brown the breadcrumb coating making crispy mozzarella sticks as they bake in the oven. You can also use canola or vegetable oil.

    Supplies

    • Large shallow bowls
    • Baking sheet
    • Parchment paper
    • Silicone pastry brush

    How to Make Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks

    collage showing the beginning steps of making homemade mozzarella sticks.
    • Start by removing the cheese sticks from the plastic and then cut them in half.
    • Next, get the dipping station ready. In one bowl, add the flour, and then in a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs and seasonings.
    • Lay parchment paper down on a large baking sheet.
    • Now start the dredging process. Roll the cheese stick in flour and shake off the excess. Next, dip the cheese stick in the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Then roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumbs. Last, double dip the cheese stick back into the egg wash and roll one more time in the breadcrumbs. During this last step, I find it helpful to lightly press the breadcrumbs with my hands onto the cheese stick to form the coating. 
    • Place the prepared cheese stick onto the baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Repeat with the rest of the cheese sticks.
    • Place the prepared cheese sticks into the freezer for at least an hour but preferably overnight.
    A collage showing the final steps to making baked mozzarella sticks.
    • After the cheese sticks freeze, place into a plastic bag or continue with cooking.
    • To cook the gluten free mozzarella sticks. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 
    • Brush the olive oil onto a baking sheet. Place the number of gluten free mozzarella sticks you want to cook onto the baking sheet and lightly brush more olive oil over the top of the mozzarella sticks.
    • Bake the homemade mozzarella sticks for 9 – 10 minutes or until cheese is melty and golden brown.
    • Sprinkle with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot with gluten free marinara sauce (optional).

    Serving suggestions

    Serve these baked mozzarella sticks with your favorite dipping sauce.

    • Gluten-free marinara or gluten-free pizza sauce are our two favorites. 
    • You can also use this gluten free alfredo sauce for extra cheesiness. 
    • Ranch dressing is another favorite.

    Cooking Tips

    I’ve made this gluten free mozzarella sticks recipe numerous times, so I’ve learned a few tricks for perfectly crispy cheese sticks.

    • You can leave the piece of string cheese whole if you want large mozzarella sticks.
    • Keep a small bowl of water next to you because it does get messy.
    • Double-dipping the mozzarella sticks into the egg and breadcrumbs is essential to creating a crispy coating that sticks. You might notice that the breadcrumbs are not thoroughly coating the cheese stick after the first coating, and that’s okay; they will after you double-dip in the eggs and breadcrumbs. 
    • Make sure the entire piece of string cheese is coated in batter (flour, egg, and breadcrumbs) to help keep the cheese from spilling out of the crispy coating as it cooks.
    • Freezing the homemade baked mozzarella sticks is an essential step, so don’t skip it. Without this step, the breading will come right off the mozzarella, and all you’ll have is a cheesy glob. Freezing the mozzarella sticks allows the breading and mozzarella to cook simultaneously, so you end up with a crispy coating and gooey center.
    • If you have an olive oil spray that will work great for coating the mozzarella sticks before cooking.
    • Watch the mozzarella sticks at around 8 minutes because you don’t want them to overcook. If the cheese starts to ooze out then remove them from the oven immediately.
    • You can also skip the olive oil step if you prefer not to use any oil. Instead, lightly spray the pan with cooking spray before putting the mozzarella sticks into the oven.
    • If you can’t fit a baking sheet in your freezer, place the homemade mozzarella sticks on plates, still using the parchment paper.
    • If the breading is struggling to stay, use your hands to press and form the breading onto the cheese stick. This helps the thicker coating stay put.
    overhead picture of mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce.

    Can I make gluten free mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?

    You sure can. Here are the instructions.

    • Start by setting your air fryer to 390 degrees.
    • Then spray the air fryer basket and the mozzarella sticks with a nonstick cooking spray. 
    • Place the frozen mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd the basket, only add the number of sticks that space allows.  
    • Air fry the mozzarella sticks for 6 to 8 minutes until the coating is golden and crispy.

    Other Variations

    Of course, traditional mozzarella sticks use mozzarella cheese, but you can get creative and use cheddar cheese sticks, pepper jack cheese, Colby jack cheese, or any of your favorites.

    Add a pinch of ground cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika ground black pepper to the bread crumbs for a spicy mozzarella stick.

    Storage tips.

    For the week.

    Leftover gluten free cheese sticks will keep in the refrigerator for three days. Warm them up in a 375-degree oven or air fryer for a few minutes instead of the microwave to keep the coating crispy. 

    To freeze.

    These mozzarella sticks are a labor of love and take time to prepare, so I recommend making a double batch to freeze. After the mozzarella sticks are entirely frozen, put them into a freezer bag and freeze.

    When ready to eat, take out the amount you want to cook and continue with the recipe.

    overhead picture of baked mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce.

    Other Gluten Free Italian Appetizers

    • Pepperoni Dip
    • Gluten free Garlic Bread
    gluten free mozzarella sticks

    Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks (Baked)

    Tammy OverhoffTammy Overhoff
    Gluten Free Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside with gooey cheese inside. This is the perfect appetizer to start any Italian dinner or party! If you've missed restaurant-style mozzarella sticks, these homemade baked mozzarella sticks will hit the spot without upsetting your tummy.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 1 hr 30 mins
    Cook Time 8 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 38 mins
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine American, Italian
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 394 kcal

    Equipment

    • large shallow bowls
    • baking sheet
    • parchment paper
    • silicone pastry brush

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 whole milk mozzarella string cheese sticks cut in half
    • 1/2 cup gluten free flour I use bob's red mill 1:1 gluten free flour
    • 3 large eggs
    • 2 tablespoons milk
    • 2 teaspoons homemade italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 2 cups gluten free panko bread crumbs
    • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

    Instructions
     

    • Start by getting the dipping station ready. In one bowl, add the flour, and then in a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third shallow bowl, combine bread crumbs and seasonings.
    • Lay parchment paper down on a large baking sheet.
    • Now start the dredging process. Roll a cheese stick in the flour and shake off the excess. Next, dip the cheese stick in the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Then roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumbs. Last, double dip the cheese stick back into the egg wash and roll one more time in the breadcrumbs. During this last step, I find it helpful to lightly press the breadcrumbs with my hands onto the cheese stick to form the coating. 
    • Place the prepared cheese stick onto the baking sheet covered with parchment paper.
    • Repeat with the rest of the string cheese..
    • Place the prepared mozzarella sticks into the freezer for at least an hour but preferably overnight.
    • After the cheese sticks freeze, place into a plastic bag or continue with cooking.
    • To cook the gluten free mozzarella sticks. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. 
    • Brush half of the olive oil onto a baking sheet.
    • Place the number of mozzarella sticks you want to cook onto the baking sheet and lightly brush more olive oil over the top of the mozzarella sticks.
    • Bake the homemade mozzarella sticks for 9 – 10 minutes or until cheese is melty and golden brown.
    • Sprinkle with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot with gluten free marinara sauce (optional).

    Notes

    Storage tips.
    For the week.
    Leftover gluten free cheese sticks will keep in the refrigerator for three days. Warm them up in a 375-degree oven or air fryer for a few minutes instead of the microwave to keep the coating crispy. 
    To freeze.
    These mozzarella sticks are a labor of love and take time to prepare, so I recommend making a double batch to freeze. After the mozzarella sticks are entirely frozen, put them into a freezer bag and freeze.
    When ready to eat, take out the amount you want to cook and continue with the recipe.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 3cheese sticksCalories: 394kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 13gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 806mgPotassium: 42mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 110IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword baked mozzarella sticks, gluten free cheese sticks, gluten free mozzarella sticks, gluten free mozzarella sticks recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Did you make this recipe?

    Have you tried this Gluten-free Mozzarella Sticks recipe yet? If so, I’d love for you to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. We all learn from each other’s experiences. Also, it would be awesome if you could share a picture on Instagram and tag it #glutenfreeitalianeats. I can’t wait to see it.

    « Ragu alla Bolognese
    Gluten Free Risotto »
    Tammy Overhoff

    About Tammy Overhoff

    The Best Gluten Free Italian Recipes

    Delivered to your inbox!

    Privacy Policy

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. AvatarEmma says

      May 30, 2022 at 10:25 am

      5 stars
      I am a sucker for mozzarella sticks and these hit the spots! Better than any restaurant I’ve had and healthier too!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    tammy overhoff headshot

    Hi, I'm Tammy! Welcome to Gluten free Italian eats. I’m thrilled to have you here. Gluten free Italian Eats is a trusted resource for gluten-free Italian recipes. I share everything from restaurant-inspired recipes to the homemade Italian classics you remember eating around the Sunday dinner table all made gluten free. You'll also find shopping guides and cooking tips.

    Learn more about me here →

    Popular

    • Gluten Free Zuppa Toscana
    • Gluten Free Chicken Meatballs
    • Gluten Free Turkey Meatballs
    • Pizza Soup

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • About

    Copyright © 2022 Gluten Free Italian Eats