When it comes to delicious, bite-sized appetizers, few things compare to the irresistible allure of Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks. These cheesy, crispy treats combine the creamy goodness of mozzarella with the savory flavor of bacon, creating the perfect snack for parties, game day, or simply satisfying your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or indulging in a cozy evening at home, these Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are sure to be a hit.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process of making these mouthwatering snacks. From selecting the best ingredients to providing step-by-step instructions, we’ll ensure you have all the information you need to create this flavorful dish. Let’s dive into the details!

What Makes Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks So Irresistible?

The Perfect Flavor Combination

The magic of Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks lies in the balance between the smoky, savory bacon and the gooey, melty mozzarella. As the bacon crisps up in the oven, it wraps around the cheese, forming a delicious, crunchy crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy inside. And with the added flavor kick from hot sauce, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, these mozzarella sticks are more than just a cheesy snack—they are a flavor explosion.

Easy to Make

Making Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks at home is simpler than you might think. With just a few ingredients and a short baking time, you’ll be able to create a tasty appetizer that will wow your guests. There’s no need for frying, which means less mess and a healthier twist on a traditionally deep-fried treat. Plus, the baking method ensures the bacon gets crispy and the cheese gets perfectly melted without any risk of it leaking out.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, a casual gathering, or preparing a late-night snack, Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect choice. They are easy to serve and can be eaten with your hands, making them a great finger food. Serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main event, and watch them disappear in no time.

Ingredients for Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Here’s everything you’ll need to create the ultimate Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks:

8 mozzarella string cheese sticks (halved): The star of the dish, providing that melty, gooey cheese center.
16 slices turkey bacon (or regular bacon): For the crispy, savory wrap. Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative, but traditional bacon can be used for extra flavor.
1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): Adds a spicy kick and balances the richness of the bacon and cheese.
1/4 cup melted butter: Helps to coat the bacon and adds a richness to the dish.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to complement the spiciness of the hot sauce and the smokiness of the bacon.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and depth of flavor to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For that extra savory punch.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: A dash of heat to bring everything together.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For an additional layer of seasoning.
Toothpicks: To secure the bacon around the mozzarella sticks while baking.

These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prep the Cheese and Bacon

Start by cutting the mozzarella string cheese sticks in half. This will give you the perfect portion size for each bite. Set the halved cheese sticks aside, ready for wrapping.

Next, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup after baking.

For the bacon, you will need 16 slices. If you’re using turkey bacon, it tends to be a bit thinner than regular bacon, so make sure each slice is long enough to wrap around the cheese stick. If you’re using regular bacon, you may need to trim the slices to fit.

Step 2: Wrap and Secure the Mozzarella

Take one halved cheese stick and wrap a slice of bacon around it. Be sure to cover the cheese entirely with the bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick. Repeat this process until all cheese sticks are wrapped in bacon.

The toothpicks are essential for keeping the bacon in place while baking, so don’t skip this step!

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the following ingredients to create the spicy sauce:

1/2 cup hot sauce
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

This sauce adds a perfect blend of heat, sweetness, and smokiness, which will enhance the flavor of the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks.

Step 4: Coat the Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Sticks

Place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a brush to generously coat each piece with the spicy sauce. Make sure the bacon is evenly coated so that each bite has the perfect balance of flavor.

Step 5: Bake the Mozzarella Sticks

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the mozzarella sticks halfway through to ensure even crisping. The bacon should be golden brown and crispy when done, and the cheese inside will be melted and gooey.

Keep an eye on the mozzarella sticks during the baking process to prevent the cheese from leaking out. If you find any leaks, don’t worry—just keep baking until the bacon is crispy, and the cheese inside is melted and delicious.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the mozzarella sticks are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. The cheese inside will be extremely hot, so it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serve your Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness!

Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Use parchment paper: Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the bacon from sticking.
Adjust the spice level: If you prefer your mozzarella sticks to be less spicy, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce. Alternatively, you can increase the amount of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Try different bacon: While turkey bacon is a leaner option, regular bacon will give the sticks a richer, more flavorful taste. You can also experiment with flavored bacon varieties for a unique twist.
Make ahead: You can prepare the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks ahead of time by wrapping the cheese and securing them with toothpicks, then refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake.
Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the sticks while baking to avoid overcooking the bacon. Once the bacon is crispy and golden brown, they’re ready to go.

Nutritional Information

Each Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Stick contains approximately 200 calories, with 14 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 1 gram of carbohydrates. They are a perfect indulgence for those who love savory, crispy snacks, especially when served as part of a larger appetizer spread.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy that feature similar ingredients and flavors:

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll-Ups: A cheesy, savory snack packed with pepperoni and pizza flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs: Juicy cheeseburgers wrapped in garlic-parmesan dough—perfect for any burger lover!
Italian Crescent Roll Sandwich Bake: A flavorful baked sandwich with Italian meats and cheeses wrapped in flaky crescent dough.

FAQs for Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

1. What should I dip my mozzarella sticks in?
Mozzarella sticks are delicious on their own, but dipping them in a creamy sauce can elevate the flavor. Popular options include ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, marinara sauce, or even a spicy buffalo sauce for an extra kick.

2. How do you know when mozzarella sticks are done?
Mozzarella sticks are done when the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is melted. If you’re baking them, check that the bacon is fully crisped without the cheese leaking out.

3. How do you keep mozzarella sticks crispy?
To keep mozzarella sticks crispy, bake them on a parchment-lined sheet, turning them halfway through. Avoid overcrowding to allow heat circulation. You can also bake them at a high temperature, like 400°F, for an extra crispy texture.

4. Do mozzarella sticks float when cooked?
Typically, mozzarella sticks do not float when cooked, especially if baked in the oven. They remain settled on the baking sheet until the cheese is fully melted and the bacon is crisp. If deep-fried, they might float slightly due to the frying process, but this is not common for baked mozzarella sticks.

Conclusion

Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a crowd-pleasing, mouthwatering appetizer that combines crispy bacon, melty mozzarella cheese, and a spicy sauce for an unforgettable snack. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a treat, these cheesy, savory bites are sure to be a hit. Follow the simple steps outlined above, and you’ll have a delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: Spicy & Crispy Delight

Author: MixMealMagic
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 16 mozzarella sticks 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a perfect fusion of crispy, savory bacon and gooey, melted mozzarella. These flavorful bites are dipped in a spicy hot sauce glaze, creating the ultimate snack for game days or parties. Whether you’re enjoying them with friends or as a midnight treat, these cheesy delights will never disappoint!

Ingredients

Scale

8 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
16 slices turkey bacon (or regular bacon)
1/2 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1/4 cup melted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toothpicks for securing

Instructions

Prep Cheese & Bacon: Cut the mozzarella sticks in half and set aside. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wrap & Secure: Wrap each mozzarella half with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
Coat & Bake: Brush each wrapped mozzarella stick generously with the sauce. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Cool & Serve: Allow the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks to cool slightly before serving. They are perfect as an appetizer or a game day snack!

Notes

For extra spice, adjust the cayenne pepper or use a hotter hot sauce.
These sticks can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking for a quick snack later.
Make sure the bacon is fully crispy before removing them from the oven to ensure the perfect texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks, Cheesy Appetizer, Game Day Snack, Spicy Mozzarella Sticks, Easy Bacon Recipe, Mozzarella Sticks with Hot Sauce