Description

Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks combine crispy, smoky bacon with gooey melted cheese for an irresistible appetizer perfect for parties and gatherings. These mozzarella sticks are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked or fried to golden perfection, offering a crunchy exterior with a melty interior. Serve them with marinara sauce for a classic flavor pairing that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Mozzarella Sticks

12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)

Bacon

12 slices of bacon

Breading Station

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

Others

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 to help them maintain their shape during the cooking process and prevent excessive cheese melt-out.
Prepare the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the bacon slices in half to create 24 smaller pieces, which makes it easier to wrap tightly around each mozzarella stick.
Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare 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.
Wrap the Cheese: Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it with two halves of bacon, ensuring the cheese is completely covered to prevent leaking during cooking.
Coat the Wrapped Sticks: Dip each bacon-wrapped stick first into the seasoned flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally roll them in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere well.
Prepare for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top to allow air circulation for even cooking and crispiness.
Arrange the Sticks: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on the wire rack, spaced apart to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle a bit of oil to aid in browning and crisping during baking.
Bake the Sticks: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese inside has melted.
Optional Frying: For a different texture, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet and fry the sticks for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Let Them Cool: Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the cheese set slightly and avoid burning your mouth.
Serve with Marinara Sauce: Arrange the sticks on a platter and serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping, enhancing the flavor with a tangy tomato complement.

Notes

Freezing the mozzarella sticks before wrapping and breading helps to prevent cheese leakage while cooking.
Using a wire rack when baking allows hot air to circulate evenly and ensures crispy bacon and coating.
For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
These sticks can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
To keep bacon slices in place, you can secure them with toothpicks during baking if needed; just remember to remove before serving.
If frying, monitor the oil temperature closely to avoid burning the bacon while melting the cheese inside.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks, appetizer, party food, baked mozzarella sticks, crispy bacon, melty cheese, easy appetizer, panko breadcrumb coating