Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks! Crispy bacon encases gooey, melty mozzarella for a snack that’s perfect for game days, gatherings, or late-night cravings. With easy-to-follow steps, you’ll create a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear! 

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 12 slices of bacon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Oil, for frying (if frying)
• Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping

Directions

1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and set them aside.

2. Wrap with Bacon: Tightly wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon, ensuring the entire cheese stick is covered to prevent leaking during cooking. Secure the ends with toothpicks if necessary.

3. Set Up Breading Stations: In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Bread the Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: Dredge each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Freeze: Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.

6. Cooking Options: Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. Frying: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve: Allow the sticks to cool slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 15-20 grams
• Fat: 20-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
• Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sodium: 600-800 mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One of the biggest reasons people love this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, you can create a gourmet-tasting snack in no time. The combination of crispy bacon and melty cheese is already a winning duo, but what makes this dish even better is its versatility. You can prepare these bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks using different cooking methods, such as baking, frying, or even air frying, depending on your preference. Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. You can add seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or Italian herbs to give it an extra flavor kick. Some people even like to wrap a small basil leaf or jalapeño slice inside the bacon for a unique twist. If you want a spicier version, try using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. The possibilities are endless, and you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste. This snack is also perfect for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

The Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion

Bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering, a holiday party, or a Super Bowl celebration. They are easy to make in large batches, making them a stress-free option for entertaining. Plus, they require minimal prep time and cook relatively quickly, so you can have them ready in no time. Another benefit of this recipe is that it’s a great make-ahead option. You can prepare the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks ahead of time and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to cook them. This is especially helpful if you have guests coming over and want to spend less time in the kitchen. Simply take them out, pop them in the oven or fryer, and they’ll be hot and crispy in minutes.

Best Ways to Serve Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

While these mozzarella sticks are delicious on their own, serving them with the right dipping sauce can take them to the next level. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, as the acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the cheese and bacon. Ranch dressing is another popular option, adding a cool and creamy contrast to the crispy texture of the bacon. If you love a bit of spice, you can try a chipotle mayo dip or a spicy sriracha sauce for an extra kick. For a more elevated presentation, you can serve these mozzarella sticks on a platter with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you’re hosting a party, consider pairing them with a variety of dips so guests can choose their favorite.

Alternative Cooking Methods

There are multiple ways to cook bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks, depending on your preference and available equipment. Each method offers a slightly different texture and flavor, so you can experiment to find your favorite.

• Baking: If you prefer a healthier option, baking is a great choice. Simply arrange the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method ensures even cooking and requires little to no oil.
  
• Frying: Deep frying gives the mozzarella sticks a crispy and golden exterior. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry the sticks for a few minutes until the bacon is crisp. This method results in a delicious crunch and a gooey cheese center.
  
• Air Frying: If you have an air fryer, this is one of the best ways to make these mozzarella sticks. The air fryer gives them a crispy texture similar to frying but without the excess oil. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  

Tips for Success

To ensure your bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips. First, freezing the mozzarella sticks before cooking is crucial. If you skip this step, the cheese may melt too quickly and ooze out of the bacon before it gets crispy. Freezing for at least 30 minutes helps the cheese maintain its shape and prevents a mess during cooking. Another tip is to use thin-cut bacon instead of thick-cut bacon. Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook and may not crisp up properly before the cheese starts to melt. Thin bacon cooks faster and creates a crispier texture, which is ideal for this recipe. Additionally, if you find that the bacon is not staying in place, you can use toothpicks to secure the ends while cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving.

Conclusion

Bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a must-try snack that combines two of the best ingredients bacon and cheese into one irresistible bite. With their crispy texture, gooey center, and rich, smoky flavor, they are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you bake, fry, or air fry them, these mozzarella sticks offer a delicious twist on the classic appetizer. Their versatility and ease of preparation make them a go-to option for any occasion.