Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: The Ultimate Cheesy Appetizer Recipe

Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: Prepare to meet your new favorite appetizer! Imagine biting into a crispy, smoky bacon exterior, giving way to a warm, gooey, and perfectly melted mozzarella center. Sounds divine, right? These aren’t your average mozzarella sticks; they’re a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more.

While the exact origins of mozzarella sticks are debated, their popularity soared in the United States during the late 20th century, quickly becoming a staple in restaurants and bars. But wrapping them in bacon? That’s where the magic truly happens! It elevates this classic snack to a whole new level of indulgence.

What makes bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The salty, savory bacon complements the mild, creamy mozzarella beautifully. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making them ideal for game day gatherings, parties, or even a fun weeknight treat. Plus, who can resist the allure of bacon and cheese? Get ready to experience a truly unforgettable appetizer that will disappear in minutes!

Ingredients:

• 16 Mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), cut in half
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Marinara sauce, for serving

Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks:

Alright, let’s get these cheesy delights ready for their bacon makeover! First things first, grab your mozzarella sticks. I like to use the string cheese kind and cut them in half. This makes them easier to wrap and eat. Make sure they’re nice and cold; it helps them hold their shape during the frying process.

Wrapping with Bacon:

Now for the fun part – the bacon! This is where the magic happens. I highly recommend using thick-cut bacon for this recipe. It provides a better texture and holds up better during frying. Plus, who doesn’t love extra bacon?

1. Lay out a slice of bacon on a clean surface.
2. Place a mozzarella stick at one end of the bacon slice.
3. Begin wrapping the bacon tightly around the mozzarella stick, overlapping each layer slightly. You want to make sure the entire cheese stick is covered to prevent the cheese from melting out during frying.
4. Secure the end of the bacon with a toothpick if needed. This is especially helpful if your bacon is a bit short or if you’re having trouble getting it to stay in place. I usually find that pressing the end of the bacon firmly against the wrapped stick works just fine.
5. Repeat this process with all the mozzarella sticks and bacon slices.

Once all the mozzarella sticks are wrapped, place them on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make it easier to transfer them to the freezer.

Freezing the Wrapped Sticks:

This is a crucial step! Freezing the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) is essential. This helps the bacon adhere to the cheese and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying. Trust me, you don’t want a gooey mess in your frying pan!

Place the plate or baking sheet with the wrapped mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. You can even freeze them for a few hours or overnight if you’re preparing them in advance. Just make sure they’re frozen solid before moving on to the next step.

Preparing the Breading Station:

While the mozzarella sticks are freezing, let’s get our breading station ready. This will make the breading process much smoother and more efficient.

1. In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
2. In a second shallow dish, whisk the egg until it’s well beaten.
3. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.

The panko breadcrumbs are key to getting that crispy, golden-brown crust. The Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty, savory flavor, and the garlic powder and Italian seasoning give the breading a little extra kick. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes would also be a great addition if you like a little heat.

Breading the Frozen Sticks:

Now it’s time to bread those frozen bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks! This process can be a little messy, so be prepared to get your hands dirty. But trust me, it’s worth it!

1. Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer.
2. One at a time, dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Next, dip the floured mozzarella stick into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s completely coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
4. Finally, dredge the egg-coated mozzarella stick in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the bacon. Make sure the entire stick is covered in breadcrumbs.
5. Place the breaded mozzarella stick on a clean plate or baking sheet.
6. Repeat this process with all the remaining mozzarella sticks.

For an extra crispy crust, you can double-bread the mozzarella sticks. Simply repeat the breading process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) for each stick. This will create a thicker, more protective layer that will help prevent the cheese from melting out during frying.

Frying the Mozzarella Sticks:

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to fry these bad boys up and get them nice and golden brown. This is where you need to be careful, as hot oil can be dangerous. Always keep a close eye on the oil temperature and never leave the frying pan unattended.

1. Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). You can use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it. If the bread turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
3. Carefully add the breaded mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy mozzarella sticks.
4. Fry the mozzarella sticks for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcook them, as the cheese will melt out.
5. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the fried mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Important safety tip: Never add water to hot oil. If the oil catches fire, turn off the heat and cover the pot with a lid. Do not try to move the pot.

Serving:

And there you have it! Crispy, cheesy, bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks that are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and gooey. I like to serve them with warm marinara sauce for dipping, but you can also use ranch dressing, pesto, or any other dipping sauce you prefer.

These bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun snack. They’re also a great way to use up leftover bacon. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest: you’ve scrolled this far because you know, deep down, that Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are calling your name. And trust me, they should be! This isn’t just another appetizer; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. The salty, crispy bacon perfectly complements the gooey, melty mozzarella, creating a textural and taste sensation that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of snack that disappears in minutes, leaving everyone wanting more.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the obvious deliciousness, it’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously, even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you can nail this. The ingredient list is short and sweet, the instructions are straightforward, and the payoff is HUGE. It’s the perfect recipe for game day, parties, or even just a fun weekend treat. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – I’ve never met anyone who could resist a bacon-wrapped anything, especially when it involves cheese!

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations because, let’s face it, we all love to customize our food. For dipping, I highly recommend a classic marinara sauce. The acidity cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese beautifully. But don’t stop there! Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be fantastic. Get creative and experiment with your favorite sauces.

Want to kick things up a notch? Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the bacon before wrapping for a little heat. Or, for a sweeter twist, brush the bacon with a touch of maple syrup before baking. You could even experiment with different types of cheese! Provolone or pepper jack would be delicious alternatives to mozzarella. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, try adding a thin slice of jalapeño between the cheese and bacon for a spicy kick.

Another great variation is to use different types of bacon. Thick-cut bacon will give you an extra crispy and substantial bite, while applewood smoked bacon will add a subtle sweetness and smoky flavor. The possibilities are endless!

I’m telling you, this recipe is a winner. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect way to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I want to hear all about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? What dipping sauce did you use? Did you make any modifications of your own? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking (and eating)! And remember, life is too short to skip the bacon!