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Crispy Baked Football Cheese Sticks: Easy Game Day Recipe

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These crispy baked football-shaped cheese sticks are a fun, easy game day snack that will impress your guests. Made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection, they’re a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese block (cold)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
  • Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Cut the mozzarella block into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick. You should get about 12-14 sticks.
  3. Shape each stick into a football: gently pinch the ends to taper them, then roll the center slightly to create a rounded middle.
  4. Set up your breading station: In the first shallow bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon water. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Bread each cheese stick: First, roll in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in beaten eggs. Finally, press into panko mixture, coating all sides. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and panko steps (double dip). Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Chill the breaded sticks: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Spray with oil: Remove from freezer and lightly spray each cheese stick with cooking spray.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes: Bake for 4-5 minutes, then carefully flip each stick using tongs. Bake for another 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is just starting to soften.
  9. Serve immediately: Transfer to a platter, let rest 1-2 minutes, then serve with warm marinara sauce.

Notes

Keep the cheese cold to prevent leaking. Double breading is worth it for extra crunch. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Watch the clock closely as they go from perfect to overdone quickly. For best results, freeze the breaded sticks before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese sticks, football cheese sticks, game day snack, baked cheese sticks, mozzarella sticks, football shaped cheese sticks, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/crispy-baked-football-cheese-sticks-easy-game-day-recipe/