Description

Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks bring together creamy, gooey mozzarella and crispy, smoky bacon for the ultimate appetizer or snack. With just three main ingredients, this easy recipe delivers maximum flavor and crunch factor, perfect for parties or game day treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Mozzarella Sticks

12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)

Bacon Wrapping

12 slices bacon (preferably thin-cut for crispiness)

Optional for Serving

Marinara sauce, for dipping
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Unwrap the mozzarella cheese sticks and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the bacon adhere and prevents splattering during cooking.
Wrap the Mozzarella: Carefully wrap each cheese stick with a slice of bacon, overlapping slightly and tucking the ends underneath. If using thick-cut bacon, consider stretching it gently before wrapping for maximum coverage and even cooking.
Secure the Bacon: If needed, secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks to prevent unwrapping while cooking. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Chill the Wrapped Sticks: Place assembled bacon-wrapped sticks on a plate or tray and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This step helps the cheese stay together and prevents oozing during baking or air frying.
Cook the Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or an air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Arrange the sticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet (or in the air fryer basket), leaving space between each. Bake or air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until bacon is crispy and golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
Serve: Let cool for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy warm with marinara sauce for dipping, and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Refrigerating before cooking is key to keeping the cheese from leaking out.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of Italian seasoning or garlic powder onto the mozzarella sticks before wrapping in bacon.
If cooking in the oven, a wire rack ensures crispy bacon all over.
Thinner bacon works best, as it crisps up before the cheese gets too melty.
Be sure to remove toothpicks before serving if used for securing bacon.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stick
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 35mg