The Ultimate Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Introduction
There’s something undeniably irresistible about the combination of crispy bacon and gooey melted cheese. When you take that concept and turn it into a finger-licking appetizer like bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks, you have a recipe that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating these savory treats and explore some variations and serving suggestions along the way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to love this bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick snack, these mozzarella sticks are a go-to option.
Another reason to love this recipe is the combination of textures and flavors. The crispy bacon exterior perfectly complements the gooey and melty mozzarella cheese inside. It’s a delightful contrast that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients
To make these delicious bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 slices of bacon
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Toothpicks
Feel free to get creative with the seasonings and spices. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat or sprinkle some dried herbs like oregano and thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for an extra flavor boost.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap each mozzarella cheese stick with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick on each end.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dip each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated.
- Roll the coated mozzarella stick in the breadcrumb mixture until it is evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Carefully place the coated mozzarella sticks into the skillet and cook until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Transfer the cooked mozzarella sticks to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Pro tip: For an even crispier bacon exterior, you can place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before frying. This helps the bacon to hold its shape and prevents it from unraveling during cooking.
Expert Tips for Success
Here are some expert tips to ensure your bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks turn out perfectly:
- Use thick-cut bacon for better coverage and a meatier bite.
- Make sure the bacon is fully cooked before removing the mozzarella sticks from the skillet to prevent any raw bacon taste.
- Let the cooked mozzarella sticks rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly and avoid any burning accidents.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the filling. Pepper jack or cheddar cheese can add an extra kick of flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are undeniably delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers: Replace the mozzarella cheese sticks with halved and seeded jalapeno peppers, stuffed with cream cheese or a cheese of your choice.
- Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites: Cut boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, wrap them with bacon, and secure with toothpicks. Bake until the chicken is cooked through.
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Substitute the mozzarella sticks with fresh asparagus spears. Wrap each spear with a slice of bacon and bake until the bacon is crispy.
Feel free to get creative and experiment with different fillings and ingredients to create your own unique twist on this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:
- Serve them as an appetizer at your next party or gathering. Arrange them on a platter with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair them with a fresh green salad for a light lunch or dinner option.
- Include them as part of a game day spread alongside other finger foods like chicken wings and potato skins.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry them as directed in the recipe.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: While frying gives the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks that irresistible crispiness, you can also bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Final Thoughts
Bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a delectable treat that combines two beloved ingredients into one mouthwatering appetizer. With their crispy bacon exterior and gooey cheese center, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a tasty snack at home. So why not give this recipe a try and savor the irresistible combination of bacon and melted cheese? Your taste buds will thank you!
bacon-wrapped -mozzarella-sticks
Irresistible bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks featuring crispy bacon on the outside and gooey melted cheese on the inside. A crowd-pleasing appetizer with a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 slices of bacon
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Toothpicks
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Wrap each mozzarella cheese stick with a slice of bacon, secure with toothpicks.
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Combine flour, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow bowl.
-
Dip each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in beaten eggs.
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Coat the mozzarella stick in the breadcrumb mixture.
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Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, fry the coated sticks until bacon is crispy.
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Transfer to a baking sheet, bake for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
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Remove toothpicks before serving.
