Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: The Ultimate Appetizer Recipe

Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate indulgence that combines the rich, gooey goodness of mozzarella with the savory crunch of crispy bacon. As a fan of comfort food, I can confidently say that this dish is a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The history of wrapping cheese in bacon may not be ancient, but it certainly has roots in the modern culinary scene, where the fusion of flavors has taken the appetizer world by storm. People love these cheesy delights not just for their irresistible taste and texture, but also for their convenience; they are easy to prepare and perfect for parties or game days. Trust me, once you take a bite of these Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks, you’ll understand why they have become a favorite for so many!

Ingredients:

• 12 mozzarella sticks
• 12 slices of bacon
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Marinara sauce (for dipping, optional)

Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks

First things first, let’s get our mozzarella sticks ready. I like to use string cheese sticks because they’re perfectly portioned and melt beautifully. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Take the mozzarella sticks out of the packaging and place them on a plate. If they’re too soft, you can pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape when frying.
2. While the cheese is chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will be used later to keep the cooked sticks warm while you finish frying the rest.

Wrapping the Mozzarella Sticks

Now comes the fun part—wrapping the mozzarella sticks in bacon!

1. Take a slice of bacon and cut it in half. You want to make sure each piece is long enough to wrap around the mozzarella stick.
2. Starting at one end of the mozzarella stick, wrap the bacon around it tightly, overlapping slightly as you go. Make sure to cover the entire stick. This will help keep the cheese from oozing out while frying.
3. Once wrapped, place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick on a plate. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella sticks.

Breading the Mozzarella Sticks

Now that our mozzarella sticks are wrapped in bacon, it’s time to bread them. This will give them that delicious crispy exterior.

1. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. Take a bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick and roll it in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for all the sticks.

Frying the Mozzarella Sticks

Now that our mozzarella sticks are breaded, it’s time to fry them to golden perfection!

1. In a large, deep skillet or pot, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom by about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready.
2. Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary.
3. Fry the sticks for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
4. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven to keep warm while you finish frying the rest.

Assembling and Serving

Now that all our cheesy bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are fried and warm, it’s time to serve them up!

1. Arrange the mozzarella sticks on a serving platter. You can garnish with some fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch.

Conclusion:

In summary, these Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their snacking game. The combination of gooey mozzarella, crispy bacon, and a hint of seasoning creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a movie night, or just craving a delicious treat, these cheesy delights are sure to impress your friends and family. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these mozzarella sticks with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping, or even a spicy ranch dressing for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add some jalapeños for a spicy twist. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so versatile! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of biting into that crispy bacon and melty cheese. Don’t forget to share your experience with me! I’d love to hear how your Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks turned out and any variations you tried. Happy cooking!

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