Crispy Bacon Cheese Sticks (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
02 -
12 strips of bacon
→ For Breading
03 -
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
04 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
05 -
2 large eggs
06 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Additional Items
09 -
Cooking spray or olive oil (for greasing)
10 -
Marinara sauce (for dipping)
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
02 -
Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes until they're firm. This crucial step helps them keep their shape during cooking and prevents premature melting.
03 -
Take each chilled mozzarella stick and wrap a strip of bacon around it, starting from one end and slightly overlapping as you spiral down. Make sure the bacon covers the cheese completely. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed.
04 -
Set up your breading assembly line with three shallow dishes: the first with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
05 -
Take each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick and roll it in the flour until lightly coated. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
06 -
Place the breaded sticks on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one for even cooking. Remove any toothpicks before baking if you used them.
07 -
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown and you can see some cheese starting to bubble at the edges. Keep a close eye on them after the 12-minute mark to prevent burning.
08 -
Remove from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period allows the molten cheese to set slightly. Serve warm with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
# Notes:
01 -
These bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks combine two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible snack. The crispy, savory bacon perfectly complements the gooey, melted cheese center.
02 -
For extra flavor variations, try using pepper jack cheese sticks or add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
03 -
These are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while the cheese is still hot and stretchy. They're perfect for game day gatherings, parties, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing appetizer.