Description: A tantalizing combination of salty, smoky bacon and gooey, melted mozzarella, these bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are elevated with a spicy kick and a crispy coating. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family snack, these appetizers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They’re surprisingly easy to make and incredibly addictive, making them the perfect indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 12 thin bacon slices (center-cut recommended)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs provide the best crunch)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or marinara sauce, for dipping
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will help with easy cleanup and prevent the mozzarella sticks from sticking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. This breadcrumb mixture will provide a flavorful and crispy coating for the mozzarella sticks.
Step 3: Take one mozzarella string cheese stick and tightly wrap it with a slice of bacon. Start at one end and spiral the bacon around the cheese stick, slightly overlapping the edges to ensure the cheese is fully covered. Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks and bacon slices.
Step 4: Once all the mozzarella sticks are wrapped, roll each one in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the bacon. Make sure all sides are coated for maximum crispiness.
Step 5: Place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks seam-side down on a baking rack set over the prepared baking sheet. Using a baking rack allows the hot air to circulate around the sticks, ensuring even cooking and a crispier texture.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. Keep a close eye on the mozzarella sticks during baking to prevent the cheese from melting out too much. The bacon should be nicely browned and the cheese should be gooey and melted.
Step 7: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to firm up slightly and prevent burning your mouth.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make, requiring minimal prep time and only a few simple ingredients. The combination of salty bacon, gooey mozzarella, and spicy breadcrumbs is simply irresistible. These bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun and satisfying snack any time of day. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so you can be sure everyone will love them. The recipe is also highly customizable – you can adjust the spice level to your liking, use different types of cheese or bacon, or experiment with various dipping sauces.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these hot bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks immediately after baking for the best taste and texture. They are delicious on their own, but even better with a dipping sauce. Ranch dressing or marinara sauce are classic choices, but feel free to experiment with other dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a creamy sriracha mayo. Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a platter and serve with small bowls of dipping sauce for easy access. For a more substantial meal, pair them with a side salad or some crispy fries.
Tips:
- Use thin-cut bacon for the best results. Thick-cut bacon may not cook through completely in the given baking time.
- For extra crispy bacon, pre-cook the bacon slices for a few minutes before wrapping the mozzarella sticks.
- To prevent the cheese from melting out too much, make sure the bacon is tightly wrapped around the mozzarella sticks.
- If you don’t have a baking rack, you can bake the mozzarella sticks directly on the baking sheet. However, they may not be as crispy on the bottom.
- You can prepare the mozzarella sticks ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking. For a milder flavor, use less chili powder or omit it altogether.
- For a different flavor profile, try using Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or adding a pinch of paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Consider using flavored cream cheese sticks in place of mozzarella for a fun twist.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, approximately 1 mozzarella stick)
- Calories: 210 Kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 450mg
Conclusion:
These hot bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a simple yet satisfying appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of salty bacon, gooey mozzarella, and spicy breadcrumbs is a flavor explosion in your mouth. They’re easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious snack, give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While mozzarella is the classic choice for its meltiness, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well and doesn’t have too much moisture.
Q2: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these in an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.
Q3: Can I freeze these for later?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze these after they’ve been cooked, as the texture of the cheese and bacon may change. However, you can prepare the mozzarella sticks ahead of time, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and freeze them before baking. When ready to bake, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Q4: What other dipping sauces would go well with these?
A: The possibilities are endless! Some other dipping sauces that would complement these bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks include a creamy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, sweet chili sauce, or even a simple garlic aioli. Get creative and try different combinations to find your favorite!
Q5: Can I make these without breadcrumbs?
A: Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs if you prefer. The bacon will still provide a crispy and flavorful coating. However, the breadcrumbs add an extra layer of texture and flavor, so I recommend using them if you can. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead.
