Here’s a crave-worthy snack or party appetizer: Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks — gooey, cheesy centers wrapped in crisp, salty bacon. Perfect for game day, party trays, or a late-night treat!
🧀🥓 Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Servings: 8 sticks
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
📝 Ingredients
-
8 mozzarella string cheese sticks (individually wrapped)
-
8 slices of thin-cut bacon
-
Toothpicks
-
Optional: Ranch, marinara, or spicy honey mustard for dipping
🔥 Instructions
-
Freeze the Cheese First
-
Place mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This prevents them from melting too quickly before the bacon crisps.
-
-
Wrap with Bacon
-
Tightly wrap each frozen mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon, overlapping slightly as you go. Secure ends with toothpicks to hold the bacon in place.
-
-
Cook (Two Options)
Oven Method (crisp and easy):
-
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Place wrapped sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
-
Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, until bacon is crispy and cheese is just starting to melt.
-
Rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Method (extra crispy):
-
Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
-
Air fry in batches for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
-
-
Serve Hot
-
Let them cool just a minute so the cheese sets slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
-
🧄 Optional Upgrades
-
Spice it up: Sprinkle bacon with black pepper, paprika, or cayenne before wrapping.
-
Herb crust: Add chopped rosemary or thyme to the bacon.
-
Double layer: Wrap each stick in two slices of bacon for extra indulgence.
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
-
Assemble and freeze the bacon-wrapped sticks for up to 1 month. Bake straight from frozen — just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Would you like a low-carb dipping sauce or a jalapeño-stuffed version next?