Mummy Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and tasty twist on classic mozzarella sticks, wrapped up to look like little mummies! Crispy on the outside and gooey with melted cheese on the inside, they’re a perfect snack for parties or whenever you want something cheesy and fun.
I love making these because they’re easy to assemble and always get a big smile from whoever bites into one. Wrapping the cheese in strips of dough to resemble mummies adds a playful touch that’s perfect for Halloween or just adding a bit of whimsy to your snack time. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in cooking since they can help wrap up the “mummies.”
The best part is dunking these cheesy mummies into a tangy marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor. I like to serve them hot and fresh with some carrot sticks or a green salad on the side, which makes for a nice balance to the richness of the cheese. These sticks always disappear fast, so I recommend having some extra ready!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella String Cheese: This is the heart of the snack. It melts beautifully and is easy to handle. If you can’t find string cheese, regular mozzarella blocks cut into sticks work too.
Puff Pastry or Crescent Roll Dough: Puff pastry gives a flaky texture while crescent roll dough is softer and easy to stretch. Both create the mummy wrap look well. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free dough brands.
Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs: These add a nice crunch and flavor. You can swap with plain bread crumbs mixed with dried Italian herbs if you don’t have pre-seasoned ones.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a bit of sharp, salty flavor and helps with crispiness. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute if you prefer a stronger cheese taste.
How Do You Wrap Mummy Mozzarella Sticks Without the Cheese Melting Out?
Wrapping takes some care to keep the cheese inside while baking. Here’s what works best:
- Cut dough strips about 1/4 inch wide for easy wrapping that looks like mummy bandages.
- Leave small gaps between strips for the “mummy” look but don’t leave too much open space – this keeps the cheese from oozing out early.
- Brush the dough with egg wash before coating in bread crumbs. This helps the coating stick and creates a golden crust.
- Bake at 400°F only until the dough is golden and cheese is just starting to melt (about 12-15 minutes). Overbaking can cause cheese to leak.
- Let them cool briefly after baking. That rest helps cheese firm up a bit to avoid burns when eating!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – to bake the mummy sticks evenly and keep kitchen clean.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – great for cutting thin dough strips precisely.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk the egg wash smoothly.
- Shallow dish – perfect for combining and coating the bread crumbs and seasoning.
- Pastry brush – helps spread the egg wash evenly for a golden crust.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a mild spicy kick that melts well.
- Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne in the breading for extra smoky or spicy flavor.
- Include finely chopped cooked spinach inside for a pop of color and some greens.
- Use prosciutto or cooked bacon strips under the dough wraps for a meaty twist.
How to Make Mummy Mozzarella Sticks?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Mummy Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 sheet of puff pastry or refrigerated crescent roll dough
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk or water (for egg wash)
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing/baking
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to bake. It’s a quick and fun snack, perfect when you want a cheesy, crispy treat ready in under 40 minutes total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Dough:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to keep the mummies from sticking. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and, if you like, cut each in half to make smaller snacks. Roll out your puff pastry or crescent dough on a lightly floured surface, then cut it into thin strips about ¼ inch wide to look like mummy bandages.
2. Wrap the Cheese:
Wrap each mozzarella stick with the dough strips, leaving small gaps so the “mummy” effect shows but the cheese stays mostly covered. Leave the ends open so the cheese peeks out just a little.
3. Egg Wash and Coating:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk (or water) to make your egg wash. Place the wrapped sticks on the baking sheet and brush each one with the egg wash to help them brown nicely. In a shallow dish, mix the bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Gently toss each stick in the breadcrumb mixture to coat it well.
4. Bake Your Mummies:
Arrange the coated sticks back on the baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the dough turns golden brown and crispy and the cheese starts melting inside. Let them cool a couple of minutes before serving to avoid hot cheese burns.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your mummy mozzarella sticks warm with marinara sauce for dipping. They’re sure to be a hit at any party or snack time!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them completely before wrapping to prevent excess moisture, which can cause soggy dough. Pat them dry with paper towels if needed.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the mummy sticks and refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 1 day before baking. When ready, brush with egg wash, coat with bread crumbs, and bake as directed.
How Do I Store Leftover Mummy Mozzarella Sticks?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness and warm the cheese.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
This recipe is designed for baking, which makes it less greasy and easier to prepare. Baking at 400°F gives you a nicely browned, crispy crust with melty cheese inside!
