There’s something wildly satisfying about pulling apart a mozzarella stick and seeing that perfect cheese stretch.
Now imagine that same stick, wrapped in crispy bacon.
That’s what makes these Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks absolutely irresistible!
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s a fun twist on classic mozzarella sticks.
Bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with gooey cheese.
Great for parties, gatherings, or movie nights.
Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside—perfection!
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Mozzarella sticks: The star of the show! Use frozen sticks to help them hold their shape.
Bacon: Wraps each stick with flavor and crunch.
Breadcrumbs: Helps create a crisp outer layer.
Flour + Eggs: Essential for the breading process.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika for bold seasoning.
Olive oil: For pan-frying to golden perfection.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Freeze mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour before frying—they melt slower.
Use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place while cooking.
Don’t skip the oven step—it ensures the cheese melts fully.
Double-coat in breadcrumbs for extra crunch if desired.
How to Make Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Step 1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Step 2. Wrap the cheese
Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it with one slice of bacon.
Secure both ends with toothpicks.
Step 3. Prepare the breading stations
In one shallow bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs.
Step 4. Bread each stick
Dip each bacon-wrapped stick into the flour, then the egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs until well coated.
Step 5. Fry until golden
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the sticks and fry for 3–4 minutes per side, until bacon is crispy and golden brown.
Step 6. Finish in the oven
Transfer the fried sticks to the baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes to melt the cheese fully inside.
Step 7. Serve hot
Remove toothpicks, let cool slightly, and serve with your favorite dipping sauce—like marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo.
What to Serve It With
Warm marinara or pizza sauce
Spicy ranch or chipotle mayo
As part of a game day snack board
Alongside fries or salad for a casual meal
Variations / Substitutions
Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
Try different cheeses like cheddar sticks or pepper jack.
Add Italian seasoning or cayenne to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Air fry instead of pan-frying for less oil.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness—avoid the microwave or they’ll turn soggy.
Freezing is not recommended once cooked, as the texture won’t hold well after reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bread them in advance, freeze, and fry when ready to serve.
Why do I need to bake them after frying?
Frying crisps the bacon, while baking ensures the cheese melts thoroughly inside.
Can I use string cheese instead of mozzarella sticks?
Yes, just freeze them first so they don’t melt too quickly during frying.
Is it okay to air fry instead of pan-fry?
Absolutely! Air fry at 390°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What dipping sauces go best with these?
Classic marinara, ranch, spicy ketchup, or even garlic aioli all work wonderfully.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Do I need to freeze the mozzarella sticks first?
Yes, that helps keep the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
Final Thoughts
These Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a flavor-packed party starter you’ll make again and again.
Whether for gatherings, snacks, or indulgent cravings, they always deliver that perfect cheesy, smoky bite.
Make a batch, grab your favorite dip, and enjoy every melty moment.
