When it comes to appetizers that offer the perfect combination of flavors, textures, and indulgence, Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks stand out as a crowd favorite. Whether you’re planning a game-day snack, a party appetizer, or just craving something cheesy and crispy, this recipe delivers a delightful bite every time. These mozzarella sticks are enveloped in crispy bacon, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. Served with a tangy marinara dipping sauce, they’re irresistible!

In this article, we’ll dive deep into how to make Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks, explore the reasons why they’re such a hit, and share some additional tips for creating the best possible version of this beloved snack. We’ll also suggest some related recipes that might just steal the spotlight at your next gathering.

Why Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks?

What makes Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks so special? First, they combine two universally loved ingredients: mozzarella cheese and bacon. Mozzarella sticks, on their own, are a deliciously cheesy and crunchy snack. But when wrapped in savory bacon, they go to a whole new level of decadence. The crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty contrast to the creamy, gooey cheese inside, creating a flavor profile that is both savory and satisfying.

Additionally, the breadcrumb coating adds an extra layer of texture, ensuring that every bite is a perfect balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Whether you’re serving these as a party appetizer, a game-day treat, or a fun snack, Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are sure to please.

Ingredients for Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

The ingredients for this recipe are simple yet deliver a rich, delicious flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

12 mozzarella sticks – The star of the dish. Choose string cheese or pre-cut mozzarella sticks.
12 strips of bacon – Make sure you have enough to wrap each mozzarella stick completely.
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch) – This will give the sticks that signature crunchy exterior.
½ cup all-purpose flour – Used for coating the mozzarella sticks before dipping in the egg mixture.
2 large eggs – These will help bind the breadcrumbs to the mozzarella sticks.
1 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth of flavor to the coating.
1 tsp smoked paprika – A bit of smokiness enhances the flavor of the bacon and cheese.
½ tsp black pepper – Adds a slight kick and enhances the overall taste.
Cooking spray or olive oil – For greasing the baking sheet and ensuring the mozzarella sticks bake to crispy perfection.
Marinara sauce – Perfect for dipping your crispy, cheesy creations.

Instructions for Making Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you dive into the fun part (wrapping the mozzarella sticks), it’s essential to get everything ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the bacon gets crispy without overcooking the cheese. While the oven heats up, set up a breading station with three bowls:

One for all-purpose flour
One for beaten eggs, combined with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper
One for panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs if panko isn’t available)

Having your breading station ready makes the process quicker and cleaner.

Step 2: Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks

Take each mozzarella stick and coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, and roll it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure the mozzarella stick is evenly covered in breadcrumbs.

Once your mozzarella sticks are coated, take one strip of bacon and wrap it around each breaded mozzarella stick. Be sure to wrap the bacon tightly to hold it in place during baking. If necessary, secure the bacon with toothpicks to prevent it from unwinding as it cooks.

Step 3: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks on a greased baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle a bit of olive oil to ensure they crisp up beautifully in the oven. Arrange the sticks so that they’re not overcrowded on the sheet, which will allow for even cooking and crisping.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Now it’s time to bake the mozzarella sticks. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. You’ll want to keep an eye on them to make sure the cheese doesn’t start leaking out too early. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the thickness of the bacon, so it’s a good idea to check after 15 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Once your Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These cheesy, crispy delights pair perfectly with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy these flavorful treats as an appetizer, snack, or part of a larger meal!

Tips for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can help you take your Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks to the next level.

Tip 1: Use Panko for Extra Crunch

While regular breadcrumbs work fine, panko breadcrumbs will give your mozzarella sticks an extra level of crunch. Panko crumbs are larger and lighter, creating a crispier, more delicate texture that’s perfect for this dish.

Tip 2: Choose Thick-Cut Bacon

For the best flavor and texture, opt for thick-cut bacon. Thin bacon tends to get too crispy and might not hold the mozzarella stick well, while thicker bacon adds a more satisfying bite. Plus, it will hold its shape better during baking.

Tip 3: Don’t Overbake

It’s important not to overbake your mozzarella sticks. While you want the bacon crispy, you don’t want the cheese inside to melt out. Keeping a close eye on your sticks during the last few minutes of baking will help ensure you achieve the perfect balance of crispiness and gooeyness.

Tip 4: Experiment with Seasonings

While the recipe calls for garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, you can get creative with your seasonings. Try adding a bit of Italian seasoning, onion powder, or chili flakes for a unique twist on this classic appetizer. Customize the flavors to suit your taste.

Tip 5: Serve Immediately

For the best experience, serve these Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks right out of the oven while they’re still hot and cheesy. The longer they sit, the more the cheese will firm up, so they’re best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional Information

While Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are undeniably indulgent, they’re also packed with protein and flavor. Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1 mozzarella stick):

Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per stick
Fat: 16g
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 6g
Fiber: 1g

For those watching their calories, it’s important to enjoy these treats in moderation. However, their rich, cheesy goodness makes them worth the occasional indulgence!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks, you’re sure to enjoy these related recipes that feature similar flavors, ingredients, and cooking methods. Here are a few more cheesy, bacon-filled dishes that are perfect for your next party or family gathering:

Loaded Cheesy Pocket Tacos – A savory taco filled with cheese and tasty fillings, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Cheesy Breadsticks – Cheesy breadsticks filled with tender steak and peppers, a deliciously hearty snack.
Cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Taquitos – Crispy taquitos stuffed with creamy ranch, chicken, and bacon, offering the perfect flavor combination.

FAQs: Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

1. How do you make cheese wrapped in bacon in the oven?

To make cheese wrapped in bacon in the oven, start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap mozzarella sticks with strips of bacon and coat them with breadcrumbs. Arrange them on a greased baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

2. Do mozzarella sticks have to be frozen before frying?

Yes, mozzarella sticks should be frozen before frying to prevent the cheese from melting out too quickly. Freezing helps the coating set and gives you the crispy exterior you want, with gooey cheese inside.

3. Why did McDonald’s discontinue mozzarella sticks?

McDonald’s discontinued mozzarella sticks in many locations due to low customer demand and operational challenges. The decision was made as part of their efforts to streamline the menu and focus on items with better sales performance.

4. How do you keep mozzarella sticks from getting soggy?

To keep mozzarella sticks from getting soggy, avoid overcrowding them when baking or frying. Ensure they’re fully coated with breadcrumbs and allow them to cool for a few minutes after cooking. Serving them immediately and pairing them with a proper dipping sauce, like marinara, will also help maintain their crispiness.

Conclusion

Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory goodness of bacon with the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of mozzarella cheese. This recipe is a simple yet indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night at home, these crispy, cheesy sticks are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.

With the right balance of seasoning, the perfect baking time, and a delicious dipping sauce, these mozzarella sticks will quickly become your go-to appetizer. Enjoy!

Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: Crispy & Delicious Recipe

Author: Sofia Rojas
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 12 Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect combination of crispy, savory bacon and gooey, melty mozzarella. Coated in breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, these cheesy treats are served with marinara sauce for a mouthwatering snack or appetizer. Whether for a party, game night, or a quick snack, these Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks will be a hit!

Ingredients

Scale

12 mozzarella sticks
12 strips of bacon
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)
Marinara sauce (for dipping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Set up breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
Coat mozzarella sticks: First, dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally, roll them in breadcrumbs.
Wrap with bacon: Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around each breaded mozzarella stick.
Arrange on baking sheet: Place the bacon-wrapped sticks on a greased baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden.
Serve: Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

Notes

If you’re using thicker mozzarella sticks, you may need to increase the baking time.
For an extra crispy texture, use panko breadcrumbs.
You can freeze these sticks before baking to make them ahead of time and bake them later.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Stick
Calories: 140 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 340mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks, cheesy bacon sticks, mozzarella sticks, crispy snacks, appetizer recipes, baked mozzarella sticks, bacon cheese snacks, crispy cheese sticks, party snacks, baked appetizers