Bacon Mozzarella Sticks

When smoky bacon wraps around stretchy mozzarella, you get an addictive snack that takes regular cheese sticks to a whole new level. These tasty morsels bring together the bold flavor of bacon with the stretchy goodness of melted mozzarella, all wrapped in a crunchy, golden coating. They're just right for watching sports, having friends over, or when you need something really good to munch on. Every bite gives you different textures and flavors that work so well together.

The first time I whipped these up was for a Super Bowl get-together, and they vanished quicker than anything else I served. Even my brother-in-law, who usually sticks to healthy stuff, gobbled up seven of them before shyly confessing he just couldn't stop himself. There's something kind of magical about how the bacon flavor seeps into the cheese while they cook together.

Fresh Ingredients Make All The Difference

• String cheese sticks: Go for the full-fat mozzarella ones for the best melt and that nice stretch when you bite into them
• Bacon strips: Pick thin-cut bacon since it gets crispier and wraps more easily around your cheese
• All-purpose flour: Makes the first coating layer that helps everything else stick properly
• Large eggs: Gets the breadcrumbs to stick while adding a bit of richness to the mix
• Panko breadcrumbs: Gives you way more crunch than regular breadcrumbs for that perfect outer layer
• Garlic powder: Adds a nice savory touch to the breading without taking over
• Smoked paprika: Boosts the bacon's smokiness and adds a pretty color too
• Black pepper: Brings a mild kick that works well with both the cheese and bacon

Cooking Instructions

Getting Ready:

Pop unwrapped cheese sticks in the freezer for 30 minutes so they don't melt too fast while cooking.

Setting Up:

Arrange three shallow dishes - put flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and mix breadcrumbs with spices in the third.

Bacon Wrapping:

Take each frozen cheese stick and wrap bacon around it, slightly overlapping as you go to cover the whole thing for even cooking.

Coating Steps:

Roll your bacon-wrapped sticks in flour first, then dunk in egg mixture, and finally roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs until fully covered.

Baking Time:

Put them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the bacon gets crispy and cheese starts melting.

Extra Crunch:

For super crispy results, broil them for the last 2 minutes but watch carefully so they don't burn.

Cool Down:

Let them sit for 3-5 minutes before serving so the cheese firms up a bit while staying gooey inside.

Ready to Eat:

Serve them on a warm plate with dipping sauces on the side for the best experience.

Highlight

I've tried all sorts of cheeses through the years, but always end up coming back to regular mozzarella sticks. Their mild taste works perfectly with the salty, smoky bacon without fighting for attention. My family goes crazy when I sprinkle a bit of brown sugar on the bacon before I wrap it around the cheese - it makes this amazing sweet-salty mix that you just can't stop eating.

Tasty Companions

Round out your snack spread with foods that balance these rich bites. Some fresh veggies with a light dip give a nice refreshing contrast to the heavy bacon and cheese. A tangy vinegar-dressed coleslaw instead of a creamy one can help clean your palate between bites. For drinks, try a light beer or some sparkling water with lemon or lime to cut through all that richness.

Fun Variations

Make these cheese sticks your own by playing with different flavors. Try using pepper-coated bacon for some kick, or mix Italian herbs into your breadcrumbs. If you like it hot, add some cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture or serve with spicy sriracha mayo on the side. Vegetarians don't have to miss out either - just swap in plant-based bacon and vegan mozzarella sticks.

Using Up Extras

Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to get them crispy again, and don't use the microwave as it'll just make them soggy. You can slice them up and toss them on a salad, or chop them into morning eggs for a breakfast that'll really wake you up.

A Treat For All Senses

These bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks hit all your senses at once - you'll hear them sizzling in the oven, smell that amazing bacon cooking, see their golden-brown color, feel the contrast between the crispy outside and gooey inside, and taste that explosion of savory goodness. I think they're best when you dip them in slightly warmed marinara sauce that really brings out all the flavors.

After tons of kitchen testing, I've figured out that bacon quality really matters here. Surprisingly, middle-shelf bacon works best - the fancy expensive stuff often has too much fat that melts out during cooking and makes everything soggy, while the super cheap kind doesn't have enough flavor. Look for bacon with a good balance of meat and fat, and your mozzarella sticks will hit that sweet spot of textures that makes everyone grab for seconds.

Highlight

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I swap panko for regular breadcrumbs?

You can! Regular breadcrumbs work fine, but panko gives a crispier finish. If you use regular, toss in an extra spoonful or two for better coverage.

→ Why is freezing the cheese sticks necessary?

It slows down how fast the cheese melts, so the bacon gets time to crisp. Skipping this step might lead to molten cheese all over your pan.

→ Can I prep these ahead of time?

For sure! Assemble everything, freeze them solid, then store in a freezer bag. Add a few more minutes to the bake when cooking straight from frozen.

→ What other dips go well besides marinara?

Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even spicy mayo would taste amazing. Mix and match your favorites to switch things up.

→ How can I make the bacon crispier?

Use thinner bacon or give it a quick zap in the microwave first. Brushing oil onto the wrapped sticks before breading can also help it crisp faster.