Fried cheese without the frying. Crumbed cheese sticks bake until golden and just molten inside, a fast supper when you need something warm and filling from what you have on hand.

Serves 2. 20 minutes, 10 at the stove.

About 550 calories a serving, 28 g protein, 52 g carbohydrate, 25 g fat. From USDA figures for 88% of the ingredients; amounts are the recipe's.

Cook mode

1. Heat your oven to 400°F [200°C]. Pat four cheese sticks dry with a paper towel.
2. Set up three shallow bowls with 2 tablespoons flour in the first, one beaten egg in the second, and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in the third. Coat each cheese stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.
3. Lightly oil a small baking sheet and arrange the four coated sticks on it, leaving space between them. Drizzle or brush the tops with 1 tablespoon oil.
4. Bake until the coating is golden brown and the cheese just begins to leak from one end, 8 to 10 minutes. While they bake, warm your tomato sauce in a small pot over low heat.9 min
5. Transfer the cheese sticks to a plate and let them rest for one minute so the cheese sets slightly. Serve with warm tomato sauce for dipping.

Note Swap panko for regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Leftovers keep refrigerated for two days; reheat gently in a 300°F oven. Serve with a simple green salad or pasta on the side to stretch the meal.