Description
Crispy, cheesy bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are the ultimate snack or appetizer, featuring a crunchy exterior and gooey melted cheese inside. Perfect for gatherings, these treats are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 1-2 hours to help maintain their shape during frying.
- Prepare the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the bacon slices in half to create 24 pieces for wrapping.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In three shallow bowls, prepare:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat for all sticks.
- Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each breaded mozzarella stick with a piece of bacon, overlapping slightly. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Prepare for Baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Place the bacon-wrapped sticks on the sheet, spaced evenly.
- Bake the Sticks: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Fry for Extra Crispiness (Optional): For an extra crispy texture, heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry the sticks for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce: Heat store-bought marinara or make your own by simmering crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs for about 15 minutes.
- Serve the Mozzarella Sticks: Let the sticks cool for a minute, then arrange on a platter with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy!: Gather friends and family to enjoy these delicious cheesy treats!
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks is essential to prevent them from leaking cheese during cooking.
- You can customize the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste.
- For a healthier option, consider baking instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes