Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks – Gooey Cheese Wrapped in Crispy Bacon!
Get ready for the ultimate snack sensation: Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks! This ingenious creation takes the beloved gooey goodness of mozzarella sticks and elevates it to new heights by wrapping them in savory, crispy bacon. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, these irresistible bites are the perfect blend of salty, cheesy, and crunchy. They’re guaranteed to be a massive hit at game days, parties, or any time you need to satisfy a serious snack craving!
Why You’ll Love These Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
- Irresistible Flavor & Texture: The salty crispness of bacon meets warm, melty, stretchy mozzarella – a truly addictive combination.
- Ultimate Party Snack: Easy to make in a large batch and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses convenient frozen mozzarella sticks or string cheese for quick assembly.
- Baked (Not Fried): Healthier than deep-fried versions, but still delivers fantastic crispiness.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped in advance for effortless entertaining.
What You’ll Need
Gather these minimal ingredients to craft your amazing Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks:
Ingredients (Makes 12 sticks):
- 12 sticks string cheese (or 12 frozen mozzarella sticks, thawed just enough to be pliable)
- 12 slices regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut, as it won’t crisp up as well)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping, ranch dressing, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish.
Instructions: Wrap, Season, Chill, Bake, and Devour!
1. Prepare the Mozzarella & Bacon:
If using string cheese, unwrap all 12 sticks of string cheese. If using frozen mozzarella sticks, let them thaw slightly at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until they are just pliable enough to wrap without breaking, but still very cold. Lay out the 12 slices of regular-cut bacon. If your bacon is very long, you can cut each slice in half crosswise to get 2 shorter pieces, ensuring you have enough to cover the cheese sticks without too much overlap.
2. Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take one stick of string cheese (or thawed mozzarella stick). Starting at one end, tightly wrap one slice of bacon (or a half slice if cut) around the cheese stick in a spiral, ensuring the cheese is fully covered. Try to overlap the bacon slightly to create a continuous wrap. Place the wrapped stick seam-side down on a plate. Repeat with the remaining mozzarella sticks and bacon.
3. Season & Chill:
In a small bowl, combine the ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks. Arrange the wrapped sticks on a plate or small baking sheet and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial! It helps the bacon crisp up better and prevents the cheese from melting out too quickly during baking.
4. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil (for easy cleanup) and place an oven-safe wire rack on top. This allows air to circulate around the bacon, ensuring maximum crispness. Arrange the frozen, bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in a single layer on the wire rack, making sure they don’t touch.
5. Bake until Golden & Crispy:
Bake for 18-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and just starting to ooze (but ideally contained within the bacon wrapper). Baking time will vary based on bacon thickness and oven. If needed, you can carefully flip the sticks halfway through for more even crisping, but be gentle if the cheese is very soft. For extra crispness, you can briefly broil for 1-2 minutes at the very end, watching very closely to prevent burning.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks from the oven. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. They will be very hot and the cheese will be extremely molten. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping, ranch dressing, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy your ultimate snack attack!
Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
- Use Regular Bacon: Thin or regular-cut bacon works best here. Thick-cut bacon might not get crispy enough in the time it takes for the cheese to melt, and it can also cause more grease.
- Chill is Crucial: Do NOT skip the freezing step! Chilling the wrapped sticks ensures the cheese stays mostly intact while the bacon has time to crisp up.
- Wire Rack for Crispness: Baking on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate all around the bacon, ensuring it gets crispy on all sides without sitting in grease.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them. Once the bacon is crisp and the cheese is melty, take them out. Overbaking can cause the cheese to fully melt out of the bacon.
- Seasoning: The garlic powder and black pepper add a lovely savory note that complements the bacon and cheese.
- Pre-Cooked Bacon (for less grease): For an even less greasy result, you can par-cook the bacon slices slightly before wrapping. Cook for 5-7 minutes (not fully crispy), drain grease, let cool, then wrap. This reduces excess fat during baking.
- Serving Temperature: These are best served hot, but allow a couple of minutes for them to cool slightly to avoid burning yourself on the molten cheese.
These Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a fantastic way to elevate a simple snack into something truly extraordinary. Prepare for them to disappear quickly!