Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Recipe created by 3-A-Day of Dairy

Servings:  Six (6) Prep Time:  20 min. Cook Time: 6 min.

Ingredients
1 (12-ounce) package reduced-fat Mozzarella string cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 tablespoons panko (Japanese) bread crumbs
1/2 cup prepared marinara sauce, warmed (optional)

Directions
Position rack in upper third of oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray lightly with cooking spray. Remove cheese from packaging and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk egg until foamy. In small non-stick skillet, mix Italian seasoning with bread crumbs and place over medium heat. Cook and stir bread crumbs until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Dip one piece of string cheese in egg until coated and then into toasted bread crumbs, coating completely. Re-dip the string cheese in egg and again into the bread crumbs, if desired. Place on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining string cheese and place on baking sheet 1 1/2 inches apart. Spray string cheese lightly with cooking spray. Bake 5-6 minutes or until heated through. (Cheese may melt slightly and loose shape. Simply press it back into place.)

Suggested serving: Pair with warmed marinara sauce for dipping

Nutrition Information
Calories: 180
Total Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4.3 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg
Sodium: 450 mg
Calcium: 30% Daily Value
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Dietary Fiber: 0 g

ADA/DC of Nebraska Dietitians
Amy Schmid, M.A., R.D. - amy@nebmilk.org
Jennifer Meyer, R.D. - jenni@nebmilk.org