Copycat Recipe! Baked Cheese Sticks Inspired by a Cheesecake Factory® Favorite

What's better than fried cheese sticks? Baked ones, of course! This slightly healthier appetizer is a crowd-pleaser, equally at home for dinner or a game-day bash.

Baked Cheese Sticks

Ingredients

12 string-cheese sticks
1/3 cup flour
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
cooking spray

Related: 33 cheesy recipes to try before you diet

Directions

1. Slice cheese sticks in half, creating 24 cheese sticks. Set aside until needed.

2. In a bowl, combine egg and water and beat until combined. Pour flour onto a plate and set aside until needed.

3. In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, oregano, and salt. Stir until mixed.

4. Create the cheese sticks by rolling a string-cheese stick in the flour until coated. Next, dunk the flour-coated stick into the egg wash. Then place the cheese stick in the bread crumbs and roll until the cheese is completely coated. Repeat with the remaining string-cheese sticks. Place the breaded sticks on wax paper and place in the freezer. Freeze until frozen completely, about 2 to 4 hours.

5. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the cheese sticks on a parchment paper or foil-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with oil. Place in the bottom third of the oven and bake for 4 minutes. Remove from the oven and gently flip each stick over. Lightly spray with a little more oil and return to the oven for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until golden. Watch them so they don't melt. Once finished, serve with marinara or ranch dressing.

- By Meredith Steele

For 20 appetizers to invite to your next party, visit Spoonful!

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