Mozzarella sticks are a timeless favorite, but when you add bacon into the mix? Game-changer. These bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are easy to prepare and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making them as a snack, appetizer, or party food, they’re sure to impress. The best part? You only need a few ingredients and an oven!
Ingredients
- 12 sticks string cheese
- 12 slices bacon
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Directions
Step 1: Freeze the Cheese
Take the string cheese out of its packaging and set it on a plate or a small baking sheet. Freeze until solid, about 4 hours or up to overnight. This step ensures the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly while baking.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Bacon
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a medium baking sheet with foil. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bacon is slightly crisp but still flexible enough to wrap.
Step 3: Cool and Wrap
Take the bacon out of the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Meanwhile, line another baking sheet with foil. Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, wrap each frozen mozzarella stick with one strip of bacon, overlapping the ends as needed to fully enclose the cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Wrapped Sticks
Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese just starts to melt. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-melting!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these cheesy delights immediately with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping. They’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the cheese is at peak gooeyness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Freezing Is Key: Don’t skip freezing the cheese! It helps keep the mozzarella from oozing out too quickly during baking.
- Bacon Doneness: Pre-cooking the bacon ensures it crisps up without overcooking the cheese. Adjust the initial baking time if your bacon is thicker or thinner than average.
- Keep an Eye on Them: Depending on your oven and the brand of mozzarella sticks, they might melt faster or slower. Start checking at the 4-minute mark to avoid a cheesy mess.
Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: A Quick and Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes+(Freeze Time: 4 hours)
- Yield: 12 bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks 1x
Description
Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate snack or party appetizer. Crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and simple ingredients make these a must-try. Perfect for game days or gatherings, serve them with marinara sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear in minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 sticks string cheese
- 12 slices bacon
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Marinara sauce, for dipping
Instructions
- Unwrap the string cheese and place it on a plate or small baking sheet. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a medium baking sheet with foil. Arrange bacon slices in a single layer, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and bake for 12–15 minutes, until slightly crisp but still pliable.
- Remove bacon from the oven and let it cool slightly. Line another baking sheet with foil.
- Wrap each frozen string cheese stick with a bacon slice, overlapping the edges. Place wrapped sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 5–7 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid over-melting, until the bacon is crisp and the cheese begins to melt.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks is crucial to prevent them from melting too quickly while baking.
- Adjust the initial bacon baking time depending on thickness; thinner bacon may need less time.
- For extra crunch, consider sprinkling breadcrumbs on the wrapped sticks before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
These bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavors. Let me know how they turn out, and don’t forget to grab extra napkins—you’ll need them! Happy snacking!