Mummy Mozzarella Sticks are fun, cheesy treats wrapped in crispy golden dough to look like little spooky mummies. They’re simple to make and perfect for adding a playful twist to a favorite snack that’s gooey inside and crunchy outside.
I love making these when friends come over or for a festive Halloween party because they’re both tasty and super cute. It’s a fun way to get everyone excited about cheese sticks, especially kids who enjoy the silly mummy design. I usually add a little marinara sauce on the side for dipping, which makes each bite even better.
These mozzarella sticks are quick to prepare, and I find the best part is watching the cheese stretch when you pull them apart. They always disappear fast, and I think it’s because they’re like regular mozzarella sticks but with extra personality. If you want to make snack time a bit more special, these mummies are a great go-to!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella cheese sticks: These are the star of the show, giving you that stretchy, melty cheese. String cheese works best, but fresh mozzarella cut into sticks can also work well.
Crescent roll dough or puff pastry: This dough wraps the cheese and crisps up nicely in the oven. If you don’t have these, phyllo dough or even puff pastry sheets from the freezer section are good alternatives.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs will work fine. Seasoning the crumbs adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you prefer a simpler taste.
Black olives or black edible candy pearls: These make cute “eyes” for the mummies. If olives aren’t available, use small dots of black sesame seeds or tiny pieces of nori seaweed instead.
How Do You Keep the Cheese from Melting Out During Baking?
One common challenge is the cheese leaking as it melts. To prevent this:
- Wrap the cheese sticks tightly with the dough strips, leaving no gaps.
- Use an egg wash before wrapping and after, which helps seal the dough and breadcrumbs around the cheese.
- Bake at a high temperature (around 400°F) for a short time (10-12 minutes) to crisp the outside quickly while keeping the cheese inside melted but contained.
- Serving right after baking helps enjoy the cheese at its best stretch without losing shape.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – big enough to hold all the sticks without crowding so they bake evenly.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter – to slice the dough into thin strips for wrapping.
- Small bowl – for beating the egg used as an egg wash to help dough and breadcrumbs stick.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pepper jack cheese sticks instead of mozzarella for a mild spicy kick.
- Add Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mix to boost flavor.
- Mix cooked, crumbled bacon into the breadcrumbs for a smoky twist.
- Use mini pepperoni slices under the dough strips to sneak in some meaty flavor inside.
Mummy Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Black olives or black edible candy pearls, for eyes
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep plus 10-12 minutes to bake. It’s a quick and easy snack you can whip up right before serving, perfect for parties or a fun family treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Dough and Cheese:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Cut the crescent roll dough or puff pastry into thin strips about ¼ inch wide.
2. Wrapping the Cheese Sticks:
Roll each mozzarella stick lightly in beaten egg to help the dough stick. Wrap the sticks in the dough strips in a criss-cross pattern to look like little mummies—don’t forget to leave a small gap near one end for the eyes.
3. Coating and Baking:
Dip each wrapped stick again in the beaten egg, then roll it in a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for a tasty, crispy coating. Place them on your baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully so the cheese stays inside.
4. Adding the Eyes and Serving:
Once baked, while still warm, press two small pieces of black olives or candy pearls into the “eye” gap. Serve your cute mummy mozzarella sticks right away with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks?
Frozen mozzarella sticks can work, but be sure to thaw them completely before wrapping. This helps prevent excess moisture that might make the dough soggy during baking.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the mummy sticks and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Bake fresh right before serving for the best crunch.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness.
What’s a Good Alternative for the “Eyes”?
If you don’t have black olives or edible candy pearls, try small pieces of black olives, black sesame seeds, or tiny bits of nori seaweed for that spooky eye effect.
