Baked Mozzarella Sticks

My husband and I love cheese, so naturally we had to try out these skinny baked mozzarella sticks with dinner last night. I made a lightened version of baked chicken parmesan and served it on top of wheat egg noodles with some pasta sauce. These mozzarella sticks were the perfect addition to the meal. They would be great as an appetizer or along with any Italian meal.

Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Serves: 4 to 6
Adapted by: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/02/skinny-baked-mozzarella-sticks.html

Ingredients
6 sticks, mozzarella string cheese (reduced fat or the weight watchers brand)
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon white whole wheat flour
3 tablespoons italian seasoned breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp reduced fat parmesan cheese
2 tsp dried parsley
olive oil spray or nonstick cooking spray

Directions
-Cut each string cheese in half, so you have 12 half size pieces. Place in freezer on a plate until almost frozen.
-Take three smalls bowls from your pantry. In the first small bowl, beat a large egg together with a fork. Set aside.
-In the second small bowl, add your flour to it.
-In the third bowl, add your breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and parsley.
-Once cheese is frozen, remove from freezer.
-Take each cheese stick and roll around in the flour, followed by the egg mixture, and then last in the bread crumb mixture.
-Place each coated cheese stick on a nonstick baking tray.
-Spray the tops of the finished, coated cheese sticks with nonstick cooking spray or extra virgin olive oil spray (my preference).
-Bake at 400 degrees on the lower part of your oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip over and bake an additional 4 to 5 minutes, or until crispy but not melted.
-Serve warm with marinara dipping sauce

Enjoy! :)