Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Few things get eaten faster at my house than bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks. These bite-size snacks are packed with gooey cheesy goodness and all that crave-worthy crisp bacon flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and a clever prep trick you will serve up melty mozzarella with no fuss or mess and they always disappear fast at parties or movie nights.

I still remember the first time I served these at a game day party. I barely set the plate down before everyone came running back for seconds. They became my go-to for casual get-togethers and family gatherings.

Ingredients

• String cheese: twelve sticks gives that essential gooey cheesy center go for whole milk mozzarella for best melting
• Bacon: twelve slices each piece is the perfect blanket for your cheese pick bacon with a little thickness for best texture
• Italian seasoning: two teaspoons brightens things up and gives your bacon an herby boost choose a fresh jar for most aroma
• Marinara sauce: a must for dipping pick a good quality store-bought or homemade version for the best flavor

When shopping for bacon I look for slices that are not too thin or too fatty so they will wrap tightly and get perfectly crisp. For mozzarella go with true string cheese not block-shaped cheese sticks as they are easiest to wrap and melted in the middle.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Freeze the Cheese:

Unwrap each stick of string cheese and set them apart on a plate or baking sheet. Freeze until completely solid which can take about four hours or overnight. This keeps the cheese from melting away before the bacon crisps.

Pre-Bake the Bacon:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with foil. Lay out your bacon in a single layer and lightly sprinkle with Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Bake until the bacon is just starting to firm up but still flexible which takes roughly twelve to fifteen minutes.

Wrap and Bake:

Let the bacon cool until you can handle it without burning your fingers. Take the frozen cheese and wrap each stick with one piece of bacon. Place all the wrapped cheese sticks seam side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.

Finish Baking:

Return to the oven and bake for five to seven minutes. Watch closely. The bacon should get beautifully crisp while the cheese in the center softens but does not ooze out everywhere. Serve immediately while hot with plenty of marinara sauce for dipping.

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My favorite part about this recipe is choosing different kinds of bacon or mixing up seasonings for a twist. My family once tried a pepper bacon version for movie night and it was gone in minutes. It is always fun to watch everyone pull that perfect cheese stretch on the first bite.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat place on a baking sheet in a hot oven or toaster oven until sizzling and melty. Avoid microwaving as it can turn the bacon soft instead of crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a smoked flavor try using turkey bacon or even prosciutto as a wrapper around your string cheese. If Italian seasoning is not on hand dried basil and a little garlic powder are a good stand-in. For a spicy kick add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the bacon before baking.

Serving Suggestions

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Pair these bacon wrapped beauties with a variety of dips such as ranch or pesto aside from classic marinara. They work well atop a party platter alongside fresh veggies or even on game day boards with chips and sliders.

Cultural Context

Mozzarella sticks are a staple of American casual eats and get a new twist with this bacon wrap method. Layering salty crispy bacon over the classic cheese stick turns a childhood favorite into a grown-up bite that never fails to impress a crowd.

Recipe FAQs

→ Why should the string cheese be frozen before baking?

Freezing the string cheese prevents it from melting too quickly during baking, ensuring the bacon gets crispy while the cheese remains soft and gooey inside.

→ Do I have to pre-cook the bacon?

Pre-cooking the bacon makes it easier to wrap around the cheese and ensures it crisps up well in the final bake without overcooking the cheese.

→ What dipping sauces go well besides marinara?

You can also serve these sticks with ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy tomato sauce for extra flavor variety.

→ Can turkey bacon be used instead of pork bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon can be used, though it may crisp differently and could require slight adjustment to baking time.

→ Are these suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, as long as you check the ingredients of your Italian seasoning and marinara, these sticks are naturally gluten-free.

→ Any tips to keep cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the cheese is well-frozen, bacon is fully sealed around the cheese, and keep a close eye during the final baking step.