The solution for the best Vegan "Mozzarella" Sticks you'll ever find! Not only is this unique appetizer gluten-free and top-8 allergy-free, but oil-free too, since it's baked and not fried! You'll never guess what's under the crispy coating in this healthy recipe!
You may want to take a seat for this one. Brace yourself for one interesting creation, or should I say, one interestingly delicious creation! Don't be scared, this is totally vegan, totally "not processed", and totally (creepyly) similar in texture and look or "real" mozzarella sticks. Halloween is coming up in a month or so; the more "creepy" recipe like this, the better! But really, don't be scared, it will make sense in a moment and your life will be forever changed.Β
In a modern world of so many various foods we now have access too and so many creative ideas and alternatives running around in our heads (and social media), there is always a way to "recreate" just about any recipe to fit and resemble your dietary guidelines. What's the magical "mozzarella" imposter we have here? I hope you didn't cheat and scroll down to the recipe already....but can you guess?
HEARTS OF PALM! Yes! Those funny canned sticks that look like short little string cheeses without any of the dairy. So what exactly are hearts of palm? Also known as "palmitos", it's the silky, ivory, core of the stem of a palm plant from Costa Rica originally. They're high in fiber, zinc, vitamin C, iron, and vitamin B2. There is only about 25 calories per 4 hearts and you'll typically find them canned or jarred as "salad cut" rounds or whole sticks.
Look at that stringy texture! Can't forget a little marinara, either! The hearts are simply coated in a quick little gluten-free Rice Chex "panko" breading I "smashed" together and a slurry of corn starch so the coating stuck. I was so impressed by the results though and I've made these many times now. I made them for the first time last summer, 2016, after my friend posted an Instagram picture of "vegan mozzarella" sticks she had at a restaurant. I was intrigued and knew I had to tryout my own recipe for them! The photos from my first go-round were terrible and then I kept forgetting to reshoot...until now...
They aren't even complicated to make. Fun, weird, and delicious, but super easy! No fried cheese here! Mozzarella sticks are such a classic you'll find on restaurant menus as an appetizer. I did enjoy some when I was younger, but my mom always deterred my brother and I for ever ordering or eating them due to the choking hazard of that super stringy cheese. Probably one of the worst appetizers you could order at a restaurant too. I mean...like I said...FRIED CHEESE. O, American food π
Vegan "Mozzarella" Sticks
Vegan "Mozzarella" Sticks (Gluten-Free, Allergy-Free, Oil-Free)
The solution for the best Vegan "Mozzarella" Sticks you'll ever find! Not only is this unique appetizer gluten-free and top-8 allergy-free, but oil-free too, since it's baked and not fried! You'll never guess what's under the crispy coating in this healthy recipe!
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (14oz) Jar of Whole Hearts of Palm
- "Egg" Wash:
- ΒΌ Cup Corn Starch
- 2 TB Milled Flax Seed
- 6 TB Water
- "Panko" Coating:
- 2 Cups Rice Chex
- 1-2 TB Nutritional Yeast
- 1 Tsp Dried Parsley
- Β½ Tsp Garlic Powder
- Β½ Tsp Onion Powder
- ΒΌ Tsp Black Pepper
- Marinara Dipping Sauce:
- 1 Cup Plain Tomato Sauce
- 1 Tsp Dried Parsley
- 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 Tsp Dried Basil
- 1 Tsp Dried Thyme
- Β½ Tsp Garlic Powder
- Β½ Tsp Onion Powder
- ΒΌ Tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425Β°F.
- Place the corn starch on a plate or bowl.
- Mix together the milled flax seed and water in a bowl and let sit for 5 minutes to gel.
- Crush the Rice Chex along with the spices of the coating together and spread on a plate.
- Open your can of hearts of palm and for each stick, first roll it in the starch, then dip in the flax egg, then roll in the panko crumbs. Repeat for the entire jar.
- Place the coated sticks on a Silpat or parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- For the marinara sauce, simply mix all the ingredients together and heat on the stove if desired.
There is so much fun happening here! Tell a kid to eat their vegetables and they'll be requesting them in the form of "mozzarella sticks" π No need to worry about the dairy, all that deep frying oil, or the need for a dedicated gluten-free fryer at that! You can have fun with these and add other spices to the coating too! Make them super spicy, maybe a little curry, whatever floats your "food imposer" boat!
So tell me:
+ What's your favorite way to use hearts of palm? I was so surprised to learn that my mom loves them!
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Anna
This looks delicious! Can't wait to try it out! Can it be done in the air fryer as well?
★★★★★
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Of course! I made this recipe before I had an air fryer!
Megan
I'm definitely not vegan, since I adore cheese - but I do enjoy healthy and delicious alternative food recipes, so I's say this definitely qualifies!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
This will convert you π
Nadia
I used to love mozzarella sticks before cutting out dairy from my diet. This is such an amazing idea! They look so good! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yea, thanks for your "on time" comment, Nadia.
Akaleistar
That really does look like cheese!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It really does!
Brandie
π you did not!! These look yummy!! And I'm glad I was sitting down because palm of hearts is the last thing I expected you or anyone to use!! Good going!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Literal kitchen foolery!
Jasmine
Wow, what a creative recipe! These sound amazing! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Sophia | Veggies Don't Bite
I use hearts of palm for many things but never cheese. What an interesting way to use them! Love the crispy coating!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Cheese it up!
Anjali
Yum! I love mozzarella sticks when i was young and this totally reminds me of my childhood!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
A definite childhood delicacy!
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project
These look great! I wonder if I can convince my 6 year old to eat them π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I bet you can π
Stephanie
Yum yum yum yum yum!!! This looks delicious. Isn't it crazy when certain vegan ingredients replicate things like cheese or meat? This is so creative and interesting. Definitely trying this one.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Right? The beauty and magic of real food!
Deb Sharratt
Haven't used Hearts of Palm before but i'm going to try it now. Hope they taste as good as they look π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
When you make them this way they do π
Mel
Vegan and 'allergy friendly' would rarely be found in the same sentence, would they, especially when it comes to Mozzarella sticks? That's what I love most about your recipes my lovely: time and time again you surprise me with gems like this one. I will be sharing it everywhere now π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
When I want to recreate a food, I find a way π Thank you!
Bianca / Elephantastic Vegan
Ohh these are really interesting! I always use a store-bought block of cheese for vegan cheese sticks (not healthy at all π ) so these hearts of palm-sticks look like the perfect healthy alternative!! I actually never had hearts of palms, I don't think I've seen them in stores here, I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for them the next time I'm grocery shopping!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Ah, you need to find them then!! My grocery only just started carrying them. I used to just order them online!
Elise Cohen Ho
Thus far I have only used Hearts of Palm in salad. Doing this would certainly change things up a whole lot.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It sure will!
Nico @ yumsome
I thought they were going to be artichoke hearts!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
That would taste terrible!
Linnea | (Chick)peas & Understanding
Oh wow, I would never have guessed! Looks yum! xx
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
Chloe Wood
These look amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Starr
I've never had a desire to eat deep fried cheese (even when I ate dairy). But these sound so good, and I love that they're baked! (I hate the mess of frying things) I'll be giving them a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, deep fried anything...gross!
Traci | The Petite Chef
I'm not vegan but these look pretty awesome! Love the idea of using hearts of palm. Very clever.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you!
ivana
This is such a great recipe, have not tried anything similar xo
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
One of a kind fun!
Heather Kinnaird
these are SO creative! i am goingto have to try them out
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks Heather, I hope so!
Emily Anne
I've been vegan for a few months and looking to spice up my meals...while, let's be honest, eating more veggies! This recipe is perfect!! I've never even thought of using hearts of palm for this but I will now! Thank you for this creative, vegan and delicious looking recipe! I can't wait to try it out!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much! These are sure to spice things up and keep it interesting π
neil@neilshealthymeals.com
I'm afraid I cheated and had to scroll down to see what the secret vegan mozzarella stick was made of.
And even then I would NEVER have guessed that they're from the silky ivory core of the stem of a palm plant!
It really does just show you (as you said) how you can substitute so many different things for dietary requirements now. We live in a remarkable age! And I'd love to try these!! π
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! And it is one fun culinary world to explore π
Taylor Kiser
SO creative! I can't wait to try these!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you! So fun!
districtofchic
These are such a great idea for a healthier snack!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! Super healthy and delicious!
Annette Dattilo
Wow I am impressed. These look so good. I have been considering to eliminate dairy from my diet and was having doubts that I would miss my cheese. Nice to know there are alternative options. Thanks for sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
You will not!! Ditch the dairy π
Chloe
Ooo these sound sooo good! My boyfriend is Vegan and LOVES mozzarella sticks. Can't wait to try making these! I've never tried palm hearts before. :O
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Stock up on some cans, they are fabulous!
cara
These look good! I love that there are options out there now for people who are vegan!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
There are always options for all dietary restrictions!
Rachel
These look delicious! I'm not even vegan and I'm excited about trying these π And I love the idea of putting other spices like curry powder in the coating. Yummy!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes!! Throw anything you'd like in there! No need to keep things classic and this is already far from "classic" π
Anna
Oh my I am gonna try this recipe. I love eating mozzarella sticks . Such a genius idea, thank you for sharing you recipe., Definitely sharing this to my social media. I am getting hungry just looking at these pictures.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thank you so much Anna! Enjoy!
Jo from yummyvege
I love hearts of Palm, but i think breaded hearts of Palm may beat plain!!! Can't wait to try these.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, I think so too π
Nicol Living
These look amazing. I must try them. I am a roller coaster vegan. All I know is when I'm sticking to a regular vegan regimen, I feel and look my best! This recipe is just what I need to get back on the vegan wagon!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It will be a fun recipe to keep things exciting!
Dagmara
I had to pin this, as a vegan I am always looking for new ways to eat my veggies. I only used palm hearts in a salad or as a vegan tuna alternative. Thank you for sharing this fabulous option.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are a great meat alternative and...a cheese alternative now π Haha!
Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons
This is genius!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Thanks!
Sydney
Wow! I've never heard of a Palmito. I'm interested to know what it tastes like!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Hearts of palm are so great!
candy
These mozzarella sticks look delicious and I like making homemade everything. Not sure what the yeast does?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
It's nutritional yeast (not yeast you bake with)! It's a "cheezy" vegan essential!
Lisa
I love mozzarella sticks!!! My mouth is watering!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Haha, well enjoy!
Theresa | Bridesmaids Confession
This looks so tasty and easy to make!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
Yes! They are actually easy and quick to whip up!
Giustina
Using whole hearts of palm is genius! This sounds delicious, I wish I could have some right now!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
They are such a nifty veggie!