Looking for an appetizer that will wow your guests? Bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks are the perfect choice. They mix gooey cheese with crispy bacon, creating a flavor explosion. Everyone will want the recipe.
I found these tasty bites while cooking at home. They’ve become a hit at game days. Wrapping string cheese in crispy bacon makes a delicious treat. For the full recipe, visit Crenn Recipes.
Key Takeaways
- Perfect appetizer for parties and gatherings
- Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
- Combines classic flavors of cheese and bacon
- Can be baked or fried for different textures
- Great for game days and casual entertaining
Why I Love Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
I’m a home cook who loves making bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, and when I just want a tasty snack.
Perfect for Parties
These appetizers are a hit at any gathering. They’re great because they’re easy to make ahead of time. Plus, they’re easy to serve and clean up after.
- Can be prepared in advance
- Serve at room temperature
- Minimal cleanup required
- Appeal to both kids and adults
A Unique Flavor Combination
The mix of crispy, salty bacon and gooey, rich mozzarella is amazing. It’s a flavor that everyone loves, making them a favorite at any event.
Quick and Easy to Make
Making these appetizers is super simple. You need just a few ingredients and about 30 minutes. It’s easy for anyone to make, whether you’re a pro or just starting out.
My trick is to use the best bacon and mozzarella. Also, try different seasonings or dips to make it your own.
Ingredients I Use for the Best Flavor
Creating delicious bacon wrapped cheese recipes starts with the right ingredients. The secret to mouthwatering keto bacon wrapped cheese is choosing high-quality components. These components should complement each other perfectly.
Mozzarella Sticks: The Cheese Foundation
I always recommend using whole milk or low-moisture mozzarella sticks for the best results. These cheese sticks melt well and have that stretchy texture when cooked. Here are my top cheese recommendations:
- Whole milk mozzarella
- Low-moisture mozzarella
- Alternate options: Cheddar or pepper jack
Bacon Choices: Regular vs. Thick Cut
For air fryer bacon mozzarella sticks, regular-cut bacon works best. It wraps more easily and crisps up beautifully. Thick-cut bacon can be too heavy and doesn’t crisp as evenly.
Bacon Type | Wrapping Ability | Crispiness |
---|---|---|
Regular-cut Bacon | Excellent | Crisp and even |
Thick-cut Bacon | Challenging | Less consistent |
Seasoning Options to Elevate Flavor
To take your bacon-wrapped cheese to the next level, I love experimenting with seasonings. A light sprinkle can transform an ordinary appetizer into something extraordinary. My favorite seasonings include:
- Garlic powder
- Italian herb blend
- Smoked paprika
- Cracked black pepper
Pro tip: If you’re following a keto diet, these bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a perfect low-carb snack. They don’t compromise on taste or satisfaction.
My Step-by-Step Recipe Guide
Making tasty bacon-wrapped appetizers needs care and some special techniques. My recipe for easy bacon-wrapped cheese sticks turns simple items into crispy bites that everyone enjoys. The key is in the preparation and how you cook them.
Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks
I start by freezing mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes. This step keeps the cheese from melting too fast. Choose high-quality mozzarella sticks that will stay together during cooking.
Wrapping with Bacon
Next, I wrap each mozzarella stick with a single slice of bacon. Make sure to wrap the bacon all the way around, securing the ends to keep the cheese inside. Stretch the bacon a bit to get a tight, even wrap.
Baking or Frying Instructions
There are two ways to cook these appetizers: frying or baking. Frying needs oil at 350°F until the bacon is crispy. Baking is healthier, at 425°F for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Both ways make amazing crispy bites.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Serve these cheese sticks right away when the cheese is gooey and the bacon is crispy. I like them with marinara sauce, tangy BBQ sauce, or homemade garlic aioli. They’re great for game days, parties, or any casual get-together to impress your guests.
FAQ
How long should I freeze the mozzarella sticks before wrapping?
Freezing the mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes is best. It keeps their shape and stops the cheese from melting too fast. This way, the bacon gets crispy before the cheese melts.
Can I make bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Air fryer bacon mozzarella sticks are healthier and crispy. Cook them at the right temperature until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
What are the best dipping sauces for bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks?
I recommend several dipping sauces. Marinara sauce is a classic. BBQ sauce adds a sweet twist. Homemade garlic aioli adds a gourmet touch. The right sauce can really enhance the flavor.
Are bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks keto-friendly?
Yes, they are! These cheese sticks are great for a keto diet. The cheese and bacon make them a perfect keto snack.
What type of bacon works best for this recipe?
Regular-cut bacon is best. It crisps up evenly and wraps well around the cheese. This makes the coating more uniform and crispy.
Can I add additional seasonings to my bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks?
Definitely! Try adding garlic powder, Italian herbs, or smoked paprika. Sprinkle them on before wrapping for extra flavor.
What’s the best way to cook bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks?
You can fry or bake them. Fry at 350°F for a few minutes until crispy. Bake at 425°F for 6-10 minutes, turning halfway. Both ways are delicious.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking?
Freezing the mozzarella sticks first is key. Wrap the bacon tightly and secure the ends. This keeps the cheese inside and prevents leakage.
Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: Ultimate Crispy Cheese Appetizer Recipe
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Crispy bacon wrapped around gooey mozzarella sticks creates the ultimate party appetizer. These crowd-pleasing bites combine salty, smoky bacon with melted cheese for an irresistible flavor explosion that’s perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
12 mozzarella sticks (whole milk or low-moisture)
12 slices regular-cut bacon
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian herb blend
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Cooking oil for frying (if frying method)
Marinara sauce for dipping
BBQ sauce for dipping
Garlic aioli for dipping
Instructions
1. Freeze mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes to prevent melting during cooking
2. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) for baking method or heat oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying
3. Remove mozzarella sticks from freezer and pat dry with paper towels
4. Wrap each mozzarella stick with one slice of bacon, stretching bacon slightly for tight wrap
5. Secure bacon ends by tucking under or using toothpicks if needed
6. Season wrapped sticks with garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, and black pepper
7. For baking: Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway
8. For frying: Carefully place in hot oil and fry 2-3 minutes until bacon is crispy
9. Remove and drain on paper towels for 1-2 minutes
10. Serve immediately while cheese is gooey and bacon is crispy with favorite dipping sauces
Notes
Freezing mozzarella sticks is crucial to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
Regular-cut bacon works better than thick-cut as it wraps more easily and crisps more evenly.
These appetizers are keto-friendly and perfect for low-carb diets.
Can be prepared 2-3 hours in advance and stored in refrigerator before cooking.
Air fryer option: Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
For extra flavor, try adding different seasonings like cayenne pepper or onion powder.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg