Vegan Baked Mozzarella Sticks

Sometimes it’s fun to indulge! Growing up, I loved mozzarella sticks but once I went vegan in 1999, my fun food went away. But of course, over the years, vegan cheese has gotten pretty awesome so I tried my hand at making my fun food again, in a healthier way. Hope you enjoy this little indulgence as much as I do!

• 1 package vegan block mozzarella (Follow Your Heart seems to work best!)
• 1 cup panko (gluten free if desired such as Mary’s Gone Crackers)
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs (gluten free if desired)
• 1 cup all purpose flour (gluten free if desired)
• 1/2 cup melted and cooled vegan butter
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened soy or almond milk
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted (for drizzling before baking)
• Marinara or Pizza sauce for dipping

1. Cut block of cheese in half, width wise (like slicing a bagel that is laying flat on the counter). Then cut the 2 halves into 1/2″ inch strips. If you want smaller strips, cut them in half so you have mini strips.
2. Mix equal parts panko and bread crumbs in a bowl.
3. Beat melted butter & milk with fork.
4. Roll each piece of cheese in flour.
5. Then dip sticks in the butter and milk mixture, coating well with the bread crumb mixture.
6. Place coated sticks on a wax parchment paper  lined baking sheet.
7. Freeze about 30 minutes.
8. Preheat to 400°F
9. Drizzle sticks with melted butter.
10. Bake 8-10 min.
11. Let cool for 1 minute and serve with dipping sauce!