You can make these ahead of time & avoid a mess. They won't fall apart & here is the trick! Cut up squares of plastic wrap, place a spoonful in each square, wrap it up, toss in freezer. (I'll admit I just plop spoonfuls in a mini muffin tin. Why waste wrap?). After an hour or even next day dip these babies in the egg & crumbs and you're good to go! I even use extra cheese!