If there’s one appetizer that never fails to get devoured the second it hits the table, it’s mozzarella sticks. Now imagine taking that gooey, stretchy cheese stick and wrapping it in smoky, salty bacon before frying it until golden and crisp. That’s exactly what we’re making today—Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks that are destined to be the star of your next game night, party spread, or late-night snack session.

I still remember the first time I made these at home. I had a pack of string cheese in the fridge and leftover bacon from breakfast, and I thought, why not put the two together? The result was so good that I barely had time to snap a photo before half of them were gone. They combine everything people love about comfort food: melty cheese, crunchy coating, and the smoky punch of bacon.

These mozzarella sticks aren’t just delicious—they’re also surprisingly easy to make. With a few pantry staples, you can whip them up in under 30 minutes. They’re perfect for dipping into marinara, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo if you like a little heat. Whether you’re feeding kids, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

And here’s the best part: you can prep them ahead of time and keep them in the freezer until you’re ready to fry. That means you’re always just minutes away from crunchy, melty bacon-wrapped goodness.

Why You’ll Love It

• Two classics in one bite: Crispy bacon + gooey mozzarella = flavor explosion.

• Easy to make: Minimal prep, simple steps, and quick cook time.

• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties, game day, or casual snacking.

• Customizable: Change up the seasonings, bacon type, or dipping sauces.

• Freezer-friendly: Prep a big batch and fry them whenever cravings strike.

Ingredient Notes & Details

• Mozzarella string cheese: Using individually wrapped string cheese sticks makes prep super easy. They’re already portioned and hold their shape well when fried.

• Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works best. Thick-cut can take longer to crisp and may not wrap as tightly. Look for smoky or peppered varieties for extra flavor.

• Flour: A light dusting of all-purpose flour helps the egg wash stick.

• Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue for the breadcrumb coating.

• Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch or traditional Italian-style breadcrumbs for a more classic coating. You can even mix the two for the best of both worlds.

• Seasonings: Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne add depth to the coating.

• Oil: Neutral frying oil like vegetable or canola works best for a crispy, golden finish.

Pro tip: Make sure your cheese sticks are frozen before frying. This prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly while the bacon crisps up.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the cheese sticks: Unwrap your mozzarella sticks and cut them in half if you prefer bite-sized pieces. Place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

2. Wrap with bacon: Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each mozzarella stick. If needed, secure the ends with toothpicks.

3. Coat in flour: Roll each bacon-wrapped stick lightly in flour, shaking off excess.

4. Dip in egg wash: Beat 2–3 eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip the floured sticks into the egg wash, coating evenly.

5. Bread them: Roll the sticks in breadcrumbs seasoned with garlic powder, Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt. Press gently so the coating sticks. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating twice.

6. Freeze again: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial to keep the cheese intact while frying.

7. Heat oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).

8. Fry: Carefully drop in a few sticks at a time, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the coating is golden brown.

9. Drain and serve: Place the fried mozzarella sticks on a paper towel–lined plate. Serve hot with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dip.

FAQ

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I make them in the air fryer?
Definitely. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the sticks in a single layer, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and crispy.

Why is my cheese leaking out?
If cheese leaks while frying, it usually means the mozzarella wasn’t frozen long enough or the coating had gaps. Be sure to freeze thoroughly and double-coat for best results.

Can I use different cheese?
Yes! Cheddar sticks, pepper jack, or even stringy provolone work well. Just make sure they’re firm cheeses that won’t melt too quickly.

How do I keep the bacon from unwrapping?
Toothpicks are your friend. Alternatively, you can overlap the bacon ends underneath the stick to hold it in place during cooking.

Are they gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, use almond flour instead of regular flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

• Freezer: Freeze uncooked, coated sticks on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen—no need to thaw.

• Reheating: Avoid the microwave (it makes them soggy). Use an oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or an air fryer for 4–5 minutes.

Variations

• Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.

• Herb-packed: Mix fresh chopped parsley or basil into the coating.

• Double cheese: Sprinkle a little Parmesan over the breadcrumb coating before frying.

• Sweet & savory: Brush the bacon with a light layer of maple syrup before wrapping for a smoky-sweet flavor.

• Ranch-style: Mix dry ranch seasoning into the breadcrumbs for a zesty twist.

This Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Stick recipe proves that sometimes more really is more. By combining two beloved snacks—bacon and mozzarella sticks—you get the ultimate appetizer that’s crunchy, gooey, smoky, and satisfying. Perfect for entertaining or indulging, these will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

This Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks recipe is the ultimate appetizer—gooey melted cheese wrapped in smoky bacon and baked or fried until perfectly crispy. A fun, crowd-pleasing snack for parties, game day, or anytime cravings hit!

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Prep Time: 15minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• 12 slices of thin-cut bacon
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Oil for frying vegetable or canola
• Fresh parsley optional, for garnish
• Marinara or ranch sauce for dipping

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Instructions

• Prepare the cheese sticks
• Unwrap mozzarella sticks and cut them in half if you prefer smaller pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel so the coating sticks better.
  

  

• Wrap with bacon
• Tightly wrap each mozzarella stick with one slice of bacon. If using half-sized cheese sticks, cut the bacon slice in half. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed.
• Coat the sticks
• Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika in a third.
• Roll each bacon-wrapped stick in flour, dip into eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.
• Chill before frying
• Place coated sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 20–30 minutes. This prevents the cheese from melting out during frying.
• Fry until crispy
• Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a skillet or pot over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
• Fry sticks in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side until bacon is crispy and coating is golden.
• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Serve hot
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with marinara or ranch dipping sauce.