Shanthi Appelö is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan based in Detroit. Passionate about the science of nutrition and behavior, Shanthi has experience working in clinical nutrition, public health and teaching in the university setting. She earned her Master of Science in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Tennessee and has a research background in maternal and child health nutrition and public health, as well as a Certificate of Training in Obesity Interventions from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. In her free time, she enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, exploring the outdoors, working on art and spending time with family.
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Serving Amount
Ingredients
8 string cheese sticks
1 egg
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1⁄3 cup panko bread crumbs
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
11⁄2 tsp. Italian seasoning
Spray oil or 2 Tbsp. olive oil (spray oil provides a better distribution of oil and encourages a crispy aftermath)
1⁄4 cup marinara sauce for dipping
Instructions
Step 1
Cut mozzarella sticks in half and freeze for at least 2 hours or until frozen solid.
Step 2
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a foil-lined baking sheet.
Step 3
Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg and one with the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning mixed together.
Step 4
Gently press cheese stick into flour to coat, shaking off excess flour.
Step 5
Dip into egg, then press into bread crumb mixture. Dip into egg again and press into bread crumb mixture again to form a crust.
Step 6
Place breaded sticks onto the baking sheet, then spray generously with oil or drizzle with olive oil.
Step 7
Bake for about 7 minutes, then 1 minute under the broiler set to high.
Step 8
Serve with fresh chopped parsley and your favorite marinara sauce.
