Low-Point Sheet Pan Cheese Sticks

Introduction

These Ultra-Low-Point Sheet Pan Cheese Sticks are designed to be a healthier version of the classic cheese stick, perfect for Weight Watchers (WW) members seeking to indulge in a cheesy treat without compromising their wellness goals. By using smarter ingredient choices and techniques, this recipe achieves a delightful balance between taste and points.

Ingredients

For the Cheese Sticks:

  • 1 package (8 ounces) part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks: Using part-skim mozzarella reduces fat and calorie content while maintaining a satisfying cheese flavor.
  • 1/2 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs: Opt for whole-wheat panko to add fiber and crunch with fewer calories compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast: Provides a cheesy flavor with minimal points. This is a great substitute for Parmesan cheese.
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Adds flavor without extra calories.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances taste with negligible points.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of spice without adding points.
  • 1 large egg white: Using just the egg white reduces the fat content while still acting as a binder for the breadcrumb coating.

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):

  • 1 cup no-sugar-added tomato sauce: A low-calorie alternative to marinara sauce. Check labels for minimal sugar content.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds extra flavor to the tomato sauce.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the taste of the dipping sauce.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A preheated oven ensures that your cheese sticks cook evenly and become crispy.
  2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Remove the part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks from their packaging and set them aside. Ensure they are fully thawed if previously frozen.
  4. Set Up the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine 1/2 cup of whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
  5. Prepare the Egg White Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk 1 large egg white until frothy. This will help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the cheese sticks.
  6. Bread the Cheese Sticks: Dip each mozzarella cheese stick into the beaten egg white, ensuring it is fully coated. Then roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Place the breaded cheese stick on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining cheese sticks.
  7. Bake the Cheese Sticks: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese sticks are golden brown and crispy. Check frequently to prevent over-browning.
  8. Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional): While the cheese sticks are baking, prepare the dipping sauce if desired. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of no-sugar-added tomato sauce with 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder. Heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
  9. Cool and Serve: Once the cheese sticks are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. This helps the cheese set and reduces the risk of burns.
  10. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the cheese sticks warm with the prepared dipping sauce on the side, if desired. Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (2 cheese sticks) contains approximately:

  • Calories: 100
  • Protein: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Fat: 4 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 2 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Sugar: 2 grams
  • Sodium: 350 milligrams

Weight Watchers SmartPoints

For each serving of Ultra-Low-Point Sheet Pan Cheese Sticks (2 sticks):

  • WW Blue Plan: 3 SmartPoints
  • WW Green Plan: 4 SmartPoints
  • WW Purple Plan: 2 SmartPoints

(Note: SmartPoints values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. Always verify with the WW app for the most accurate values.)

Tips and Variations

  1. Lower-Carb Option: Use crushed almonds or almond flour instead of panko breadcrumbs to further reduce carbohydrates and SmartPoints.
  2. Gluten-Free: Ensure that the panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free, or use a gluten-free alternative to suit dietary needs.
  3. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or a dash of lemon zest, to tailor the flavor profile to your preference.
  4. Make-Ahead: Prepare and bread the cheese sticks in advance. Freeze them before baking and bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
  5. Serving Suggestions: Pair the cheese sticks with a side salad or fresh vegetable sticks to create a more balanced meal.
  6. Cheese Variations: Try using different types of reduced-fat cheese or lower-fat string cheese for variations in flavor and texture.
  7. Dipping Sauce Options: For a different dipping experience, consider using a light ranch or Greek yogurt-based dip.

Detailed Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preheating the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the cheese sticks cook evenly and become crispy.

Step 2: Preparing the Baking Sheet

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Preparing the Cheese Sticks

  • Remove the part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks from their packaging. If the cheese sticks were frozen, make sure they are fully thawed.

Step 4: Setting Up the Breading Station

  • In a shallow bowl, mix together whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs, nutritional yeast, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. This mixture provides a flavorful and crunchy coating.

Step 5: Preparing the Egg White Wash

  • In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg white until it becomes frothy. The egg white helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the cheese sticks without adding extra fat.

Step 6: Bread the Cheese Sticks

  • Dip each cheese stick into the beaten egg white, ensuring it is fully coated. Roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Place the coated cheese stick on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 7: Baking the Cheese Sticks

  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cheese sticks should be golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.

Step 8: Preparing the Dipping Sauce

  • While the cheese sticks are baking, prepare the dipping sauce if desired. Combine no-sugar-added tomato sauce with dried basil and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Step 9: Cooling and Serving

  • Allow the cheese sticks to cool slightly before serving. This helps the cheese set and reduces the risk of burns.

Step 10: Serving with Dipping Sauce

  • Serve the warm cheese sticks with the prepared dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

Conclusion

This Ultra-Low-Point Sheet Pan Cheese Sticks recipe provides a delicious, cheesy snack option that aligns with your Weight Watchers plan. By using reduced-fat ingredients and smart cooking techniques, this recipe minimizes SmartPoints while delivering a satisfying treat. Enjoy these cheese sticks as a quick snack or light meal without compromising your wellness goals.

This detailed, ultra-low-point recipe for Sheet Pan Cheese Sticks ensures that you can enjoy a flavorful, cheesy snack while staying on track with your Weight Watchers plan. The use of lower-fat ingredients and smart substitutions helps keep the SmartPoints low, making this a great choice for anyone looking to indulge in a healthier treat.