Mummy Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and tasty twist on a classic snack, perfect for Halloween or any time you want to add a little spooky charm to your table. These mozzarella sticks are wrapped in strips of dough that look like little mummies, with cute eyes peeking out for an extra playful touch. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re a hit with both kids and grown-ups.
I love making these because they’re simple to prepare but always bring a smile when I serve them. Wrapping the cheese in dough feels like a fun little craft project, and I like to use tiny dots of mustard or black olive slices for the eyes. It’s such a neat way to get everyone excited about snacking, especially when you pair them with a tangy marinara sauce for dipping.
These sticks are great for parties, movie nights, or just when you want a cozy treat that’s a little different. I usually make a bunch and keep some extra sticks in the freezer, so I can easily pop them in the oven whenever snack cravings hit. Mummy Mozzarella Sticks always bring a bit of whimsy to the table and plenty of cheesy goodness to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: The star of the show! String cheese works great for easy portion control and melty texture. You can also use mozzarella logs cut into sticks if you like a fresher, less processed option.
Crescent Roll Dough: It makes wrapping simple with its soft, buttery layers. If you prefer, puff pastry or even phyllo dough strips can be a tasty alternative, though baking times might vary.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add a crunchy texture to the outer layer. For gluten-free options, try gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes for a crispy finish.
Black Peppercorns or Black Olives: Perfect for “eyes” and small details. I’ve found tiny black olive pieces make the eyes a little softer and easier to bite into than peppercorns.
How Can I Wrap the Mozzarella Like a Mummy Without the Cheese Melting Out?
Wrapping the cheese properly keeps the sticks intact during baking:
- Cut the crescent dough into thin strips to mimic bandages but leave small gaps for the “face.”
- Wrap the dough snugly but don’t stretch it too much to avoid tearing.
- Secure ends by slightly pinching the dough on the stick so it won’t unwrap when baking.
- Once wrapped, chill them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before coating and baking to firm up the dough.
- Use an egg wash to help the panko breadcrumbs stick well, creating a barrier that helps hold everything together.
These little steps help keep that cheesy gooey center inside while the outside crisps to a golden perfection!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – gives you a flat surface for even baking and crisping.
- Parchment paper – stops sticks from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – helps you cut dough into thin, uniform strips quickly.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs; keeps your coating process mess-free.
- Tongs or fork – useful for dipping sticks without messy fingers.
- Oven mitts – protect your hands when removing hot trays from the oven safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist that melts just as well.
- Add Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the panko for extra flavor on the crust.
- Mix finely chopped cooked bacon into the crescent dough before wrapping for a smoky taste.
- Use small slices of black olives or bits of roasted red pepper for different “eye” designs that add color.
Mummy Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (about 8 oz)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk or water (for egg wash)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Decoration & Baking:
- Black peppercorns or small black olives, for eyes
- Cooking spray or oil, for baking
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including wrapping and coating the mozzarella sticks. Baking time is a quick 10-12 minutes in a hot oven, perfect for a fast and fun snack. Allow a couple minutes to cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to keep your mummy sticks from sticking.
2. Wrap the Cheese
Cut each mozzarella stick in half. Unroll your crescent dough and cut the dough into thin strips about ¼ inch wide. Wrap each mozzarella piece with these strips in a crisscross pattern to look like mummy bandages, leaving one small spot uncovered for the face.
3. Coat the Wrapped Sticks
Set up three bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk or water, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each wrapped stick first in flour, then in the egg wash, and finally roll it in panko to coat evenly.
4. Add Faces and Bake
Arrange the coated sticks on the baking sheet. Use black peppercorns or small olive pieces to make eyes and a tiny mouth on the exposed ‘face’ parts. Lightly spray with cooking spray to help them crisp up during baking.
5. Bake and Serve
Place the sticks in the preheated oven and bake 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and you see the cheese start to melt. Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving with marinara sauce for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before wrapping and baking to prevent uneven cooking and sogginess. Pat dry any excess moisture before starting.
Can I Make Mummy Mozzarella Sticks Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and wrap the sticks in advance, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Use Instead of Crescent Roll Dough?
Puff pastry makes a great alternative for a flakier texture, though it’s a bit thinner and may require slightly shorter baking. Phyllo dough can also work but handle gently to prevent tearing.
How Should I Store Leftover Mummy Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to help keep the outside crispy instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.
