Introduction

Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks combine crispy bacon and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate appetizer. They are easy to make and perfect for parties or a tasty snack any time.

Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
12 slices of bacon
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil for frying
Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes to help maintain their shape during cooking.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the bacon slices in half to create 24 pieces.
Step 3: Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: Bowl 1 with all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper, Bowl 2 with whisked eggs, and Bowl 3 with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Wrap each mozzarella stick with two halves of bacon, ensuring it is completely covered. Repeat for all sticks.
Step 5: Dip each bacon-wrapped stick into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top.
Step 7: Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on the wire rack, spacing them apart.
Step 8: Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with oil.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Step 10: For a deep-fried option, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet. Fry the sticks for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
Step 11: Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 12: Arrange on a platter and serve with marinara sauce for dipping, if desired.

Tips & Variations

Freeze the mozzarella sticks first to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
Serve with ranch or spicy mayo as an alternative dipping sauce.
For a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon or add liquid smoke to the breadcrumb mixture.

Storage

Store leftover bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can wrap and bread the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking or frying.

What if the cheese leaks during cooking?

Freezing the mozzarella sticks before wrapping helps keep the cheese from melting out too quickly. Also, make sure the bacon fully covers the cheese and the breading is pressed well to seal it.

Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 131 reviews

These Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate crispy, cheesy appetizer you need to try. Creamy mozzarella cheese is wrapped in savory bacon, coated with a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb crust, and baked to perfection until crispy and golden. Perfect for parties or game day, serve with tangy marinara sauce for dipping.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
12 slices of bacon

Breading Station

1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Other

Cooking spray or oil for frying
Marinara sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions

Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial to help the cheese hold its shape during cooking and prevent excessive melting.
Prepare the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut each slice of bacon in half to create 24 smaller pieces which will be used to wrap around the cheese sticks.
Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls. In Bowl 1, place all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In Bowl 2, whisk the eggs until smooth. In Bowl 3, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to add flavor to the crust.
Wrap the Cheese: Take each frozen mozzarella stick and wrap it completely with two halves of bacon, overlapping slightly to ensure full coverage. This wrapping helps add savory flavor and keeps the cheese intact.
Coat the Wrapped Sticks: Dredge each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick first in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally roll it thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press the crumbs gently to adhere well to the surface.
Prepare for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then place a wire rack on top to allow even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
Arrange the Sticks: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks spaced apart on the wire rack to avoid sticking together during cooking.
Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray or drizzle with a little oil to help achieve a golden, crispy texture when baked.
Bake the Sticks: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey inside.
Optional Frying Method: If preferred, heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Then, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil for a crispier, fried version.
Let Them Cool: Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool for a few minutes after cooking to avoid burns from hot cheese and ensure they set slightly.
Serve with Marinara Sauce: Arrange on a serving platter and serve with marinara sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing flavor with a tangy contrast.

Notes

Freezing the mozzarella sticks is essential to prevent cheese from melting out during cooking.
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch in the coating.
The baking method is healthier, but the frying option yields a crispier texture.
If baking, make sure to use a wire rack on the baking sheet for even crisping.
Adjust spices in the breadcrumb coating to customize flavor.
Serve immediately for the best texture and gooey cheese pull.

Keywords: bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks, cheesy appetizer, baked mozzarella sticks, party snacks, crispy mozzarella sticks, bacon appetizer