Bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a delicious, indulgent snack perfect for parties, game nights, or as a flavorful appetizer. This recipe combines the crispy, savory goodness of bacon with the gooey, melty texture of mozzarella sticks, creating a dish that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines two irresistible ingredients: crispy bacon and cheesy mozzarella
- Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying as a snack
- Can be made in the oven or air fryer for convenience
- Great alternative to traditional fried mozzarella sticks
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mozzarella string cheese
- Bacon strips
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Oil spray (if using an air fryer)
Directions
- Cut the mozzarella sticks in half to create smaller portions.
- Wrap each mozzarella stick with a strip of bacon, ensuring the cheese is fully covered. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in the air fryer basket.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove and let cool slightly before serving with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
- Keto-Friendly: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Herb-Infused: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley over the sticks before serving.
- Different Cheese Options: Try using cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded mozzarella sticks for up to a month. Cook directly from frozen.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid using the microwave as it may make the cheese too soft.
FAQs
How do I keep the mozzarella from melting too much?
Freezing the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks before cooking helps them hold their shape and prevents excessive melting.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them in advance and freeze them before cooking. When ready to eat, bake or air fry directly from frozen.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works well, but it may not get as crispy as regular bacon.
What dipping sauces go well with this dish?
Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo are great options.
Can I deep-fry bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks?
Yes, you can deep-fry them at 350°F (175°C) for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work as well.
How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling?
Secure the bacon with toothpicks or wrap it tightly to ensure it stays in place.
Can I add extra seasoning to the breadcrumb coating?
Absolutely! Try adding smoked paprika, onion powder, or even Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Do I need to pre-cook the bacon?
No, the bacon will cook fully during baking or air frying. Pre-cooking is not necessary.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Conclusion
Bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines crispy, savory bacon with melty cheese for a satisfying bite. Whether baked, air-fried, or deep-fried, this easy-to-make snack is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a must-try recipe for cheese and bacon lovers alike.
Print
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Deep-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are an irresistible appetizer that combines smoky bacon and melty cheese for the ultimate snack.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Wrap each mozzarella stick tightly with a slice of bacon. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Freeze before frying to prevent cheese from melting too quickly.
- Try using smoked bacon for extra flavor.
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