Pork Panko Crusted Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Yield: 12
Serving size: 1 baked cheese stick    

Net carbs: 1.3g per serving
Fat: 9.4g per serving
Protein: 11.4g per serving

Ingredients

• 12 Mozzarella cheese sticks
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup pork panko
• ¼ cup almond flour
• 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1½ tsp garlic powder
• 1½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried basil
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Directions

1. Unwrap the cheese sticks and set aside
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the pork panko, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, and seasonings.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs together until well-blended.
4. Roll each cheese stick in the egg and then roll in the panko/almond flour mixture. Repeat this process at least one more time until each cheese stick is well-coated.
5. Place breaded cheese sticks directly on large baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Place baking sheet in freezer until cheese sticks are completely frozen (minimum of 30 minutes).

For Oven Baked Cheese Sticks

1. Preheat Oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove cheese sticks from freezer and bake for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn each stick over and bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

For Pan-fried Cheese Sticks

1. Remove cheese sticks from freezer.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry cheese sticks for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until light golden brown in color.

Serve with marinara or other sauce of choice, if desired.