Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Crispy bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a delicious appetizer combining melted cheese with savory bacon, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, pan-fried to golden perfection, then baked to ensure a gooey center. Perfect as a party snack or indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese and Bacon
- 12 ounces mozzarella sticks
- 8 slices bacon
Breading Mixture
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for finishing the cooking process and melting the cheese inside the sticks.
- Wrap Mozzarella with Bacon: Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it securely with one slice of bacon, fastening the ends with toothpicks to hold in place during cooking.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoned coating base.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate shallow bowl, lightly beat the two large eggs to be used as the wet binding component for the breading.
- Set Breadcrumbs: Place breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl, ready for the final coating step.
- Coat Mozzarella Sticks: Dip each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick first into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it's well-dusted, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.
- Fry in Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the coated mozzarella sticks approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until the bacon becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Bake to Melt Cheese: Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 5–7 minutes to ensure the cheese melts thoroughly inside while maintaining the crispy exterior.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks and serve the hot, crispy bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks immediately with your preferred dipping sauce.
Notes
- Securing the bacon with toothpicks is crucial to prevent it from unraveling during frying.
- Use low heat while frying to avoid burning the bacon before the cheese starts melting.
- Choose your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for added flavor.
- For a crispier crust, double coat the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Be cautious when removing toothpicks before serving to avoid injury.
