Hot Bacon Mozzarella Sticks

Hot bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks are the ultimate party appetizer and a total crowd favorite at our house game nights. There is nothing like biting into gooey melted cheese with crispy bacon hugging every bite. This recipe turns store bought mozzarella sticks into a craveworthy treat in just minutes without needing a deep fryer.

Every time I whip up a batch the platter is empty in minutes. The warm melty cheese and savory bacon never fail to impress even when I have surprise guests at the door.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella sticks: String cheese is ideal since it holds shape through baking and melts perfectly. I look for low moisture mozzarella for best pull
• Bacon: Choose thin cut bacon for easy wrapping and even crisping. Avoid thick cut or your bacon might remain chewy
• Olive oil: Just a little brushed on boosts crispiness and flavor
• Garlic powder: For extra savory depth. Freshly purchased garlic powder will give the most aromatic kick
• Paprika: Smoked paprika adds subtle smoky notes. Look for Spanish smoked paprika in the spice aisle for richer aroma
• Salt and pepper: Only as you like since bacon is plenty savory on its own
• Marinara sauce: Tangy red sauce highlights all the melty cheese and porky bacon flavors. Pick a good jar or homemade batch

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Preheat your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easiest cleanup

Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks:

Carefully wrap each mozzarella stick in a single layer of bacon so no cheese is visible. Overlapping edges help keep everything snug and prevent leaks

Secure and Arrange:

Push toothpicks into both ends of each wrapped stick to lock the bacon in place. Line up all sticks on your prepared baking sheet equally spaced apart

Season Lightly:

Brush or drizzle olive oil over each stick. Sprinkle garlic powder and paprika evenly and season sparingly with salt and pepper. This is where you can go light or bold with your spices to suit your crowd

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes. Watch closely toward the end. The cheese should soften and just start to ooze while the bacon darkens and crisps without burning. Turn once for super crispy results

Cool and Serve:

Let finished sticks rest a minute before gently removing toothpicks. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dunking

I adore the smoky richness that paprika brings here. The first time I served these for movie night my brother demanded the recipe before he left. There is always a friendly race for the last one when my family digs in

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to two days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to help restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving since it makes the bacon rubbery

Ingredient Substitutions

Try turkey bacon for a lighter option or swap the mozzarella sticks for pepper jack for a little heat. If you run out of paprika crushed red pepper flakes also add a bit of kick

Serving Suggestions

Pair with ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo if you want something other than classic marinara. These make great game day appetizers alongside potato skins and wings

Cultural Context

Bacon wrapped finger foods are always a hit at American parties and potlucks. This appetizer draws inspiration from classic mozzarella sticks but gives them a hearty upgrade with bacon

Seasonal Adaptations

Add thinly sliced jalapeño for summer barbecues Use herb seasoned bacon for a holiday spin Serve with fresh tomato dipping sauce during tomato season

Success Stories

A friend of mine made these for her Super Bowl party last year and they were the first snack gone. My kids ask for them whenever their friends come over because they know they are a guaranteed hit every time

Freezer Meal Conversion

Wrap mozzarella and bacon ahead then freeze individually until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and bake from frozen adding a few extra minutes in the oven. Perfect for quick snacks whenever you need them

These bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks are a sure crowd pleaser. Serve them hot and watch them disappear fast

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use thick-cut bacon for wrapping?

Thin-cut bacon is recommended for even crisping and wrapping. Thick-cut bacon may take longer to cook and may not crisp up as well.

→ How do I prevent cheese from leaking during baking?

Wrap the mozzarella tightly and ensure the bacon fully covers the cheese. Secure with toothpicks to keep everything in place.

→ Is it necessary to use parchment paper or foil?

Using parchment paper or foil makes cleanup easier and keeps the sticks from sticking to the baking sheet.

→ What’s the best dipping sauce?

Marinara sauce complements the flavors perfectly, but ranch or garlic aioli are great alternatives for dipping.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Prepare the wrapped sticks in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture and melted cheese.