Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines smoky, salty bacon with creamy, melty mozzarella for a deliciously crunchy and gooey snack. Perfect for parties or indulgent treats, this easy recipe uses simple ingredients and quick steps to deliver an irresistible bite every time.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticks
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- Fresh mozzarella sticks (string cheese or mozzarella sticks) – quantity as desired
- Thin bacon slices – one slice per mozzarella stick
- All-purpose flour – for light coating
- Egg wash (eggs whisked) – enough to coat
Optional Ingredients
- Seasoned breadcrumbs – for extra crispiness
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika – to taste
Variations (Optional)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne – for spicy kick
- Fresh herbs (parsley or oregano) – for herbed flavor
- Cheddar sticks – substitute for mozzarella for sharper taste
- Almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs – for gluten-free option
- Maple syrup – to brush on bacon for maple bacon glaze
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Pat mozzarella sticks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, preventing the bacon from steaming during cooking.
- Lightly Coat the Cheese: Roll each mozzarella stick in a thin layer of all-purpose flour to provide a surface for the egg wash and bacon to adhere to.
- Egg Wash Dip: Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl, then dip each floured mozzarella stick into the egg wash, coating evenly for better bacon adhesion.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap one slice of thin bacon snugly around each mozzarella stick, overlapping slightly to ensure full coverage. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Add Optional Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, roll the bacon-wrapped sticks in seasoned breadcrumbs to coat the exterior.
- Bake or Fry: To bake, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and place sticks on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until bacon is crispy and cheese has melted. Alternatively, shallow fry in hot oil until golden brown for a faster cooking method.
- Cool and Serve: Allow mozzarella sticks to cool for a few minutes to avoid burns from molten cheese, while retaining their gooey texture.
Notes
- Freeze mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes before wrapping to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
- Use thin bacon slices for even cooking and less greasiness.
- Turn sticks during cooking to crisp bacon on all sides evenly.
- Serve immediately while warm for the best gooey texture.
- Secure bacon ends with toothpicks to prevent unraveling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks, crispy bacon appetizer, cheesy bacon snack, party appetizers, easy mozzarella sticks