Description
Crispy bacon-wrapped pizza sticks combining smoky bacon with melted mozzarella cheese and savory pepperoni. Perfect appetizer for parties, game days, and gatherings. These homemade treats deliver restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and easy preparation techniques.
Ingredients
12 mozzarella cheese sticks
12 thin-cut bacon strips
24 pepperoni slices
1 cup marinara sauce for dipping
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
2 jalapeño peppers, sliced (optional)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Toothpicks for securing
Cooking spray for baking sheet
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Set up a wire rack over the prepared baking sheet
3. In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes
4. Place 2 pepperoni slices on each mozzarella stick
5. Sprinkle seasoning mixture over the pepperoni
6. Carefully wrap each cheese stick with a bacon strip, covering completely
7. Secure bacon ends with toothpicks if needed
8. Place wrapped sticks on the wire rack
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is golden and crispy
10. Rotate baking sheet halfway through cooking for even browning
11. Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes
12. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce for dipping
Notes
For best results, use thin-cut bacon to ensure even cooking and proper wrapping
Partially pre-cooking bacon for 2-3 minutes can prevent burning
These can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated
Leftovers keep in refrigerator for up to 4 days
Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness
Freezing instructions: Freeze uncooked on baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags
Cook from frozen, adding 3-5 extra minutes to baking time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg