Mozzarella sticks are a beloved appetizer at parties and restaurants alike — those warm, gooey, stretchy cheese sticks, coated and fried to perfection. But here’s a game-changer: bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks. By wrapping smoky, crispy bacon around mozzarella, you elevate this classic snack to a whole new level of indulgence. Crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a hint of Italian seasoning — the perfect combination for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a game day, holiday gathering, or just craving something savory and satisfying, these bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks will never disappoint. This recipe is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and is incredibly quick to make. Plus, I’ll share tips on perfect freezing, baking, variations, and serving ideas so you can master this crowd-pleaser in your own kitchen.
Why Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Are So Good
The magic of this recipe lies in the texture contrast and flavor combination. Mozzarella cheese is creamy, mild, and melts beautifully. Bacon, on the other hand, offers a salty, smoky crunch. Wrapping cheese with bacon means every bite bursts with gooey cheese surrounded by crispy, flavorful bacon — no greasy breading needed.
Unlike traditional mozzarella sticks that are breaded and fried, this recipe uses bacon as the crispy wrapper and oven-bakes the sticks. This method is less oily, easier to prepare, and packs tons of flavor without deep frying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is straightforward and requires only a few key ingredients you likely have on hand:
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Mozzarella String Cheese (12 sticks)
Use full-size string cheese sticks for ideal length and thickness. -
Thin-Cut Bacon (12 slices)
Thin bacon wraps easily around the cheese and crisps up nicely without burning. -
Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons)
Adds a fragrant, herbal note to the bacon. You can substitute with dried oregano, basil, or a blend of your favorite Italian herbs. -
Marinara Sauce (for dipping)
A classic pairing for mozzarella sticks. You can also serve with ranch or spicy aioli.
Tools & Equipment
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Baking sheet
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Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
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Toothpicks (optional, to secure bacon)
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Oven
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Freezer space for freezing cheese sticks
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Freeze the Cheese Sticks (At Least 4 Hours)
Before wrapping, unwrap each mozzarella stick and lay them out on a plate or small baking tray. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze the cheese sticks for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This crucial step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during baking, so it stays gooey inside without leaking out.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Precook Bacon (12–15 Minutes)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay the bacon slices in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the bacon evenly with Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the bacon is slightly cooked but still flexible enough to wrap around the cheese without breaking.
Step 3: Wrap Cheese Sticks with Bacon
Remove bacon from the oven and let it cool slightly so it’s easier to handle. Take a frozen cheese stick and tightly wrap one slice of bacon around it. Use a toothpick to secure the ends if needed. Repeat for all 12 sticks.
Step 4: Bake the Wrapped Sticks (5–7 Minutes)
Place the bacon-wrapped sticks back on the foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes at 400°F until the bacon crisps up fully and the cheese begins to melt inside. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serve Immediately with Dipping Sauce
Remove from the oven and serve hot. Pair with your favorite marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli for dipping.
Prep Time and Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4+ hours freezing time)
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Cook Time: 20–25 minutes (including precooking bacon and final bake)
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Total Time: About 30–35 minutes active time plus freezing
Nutritional Information (Per Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Stick)
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Calories: ~164 kcal
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Fat: 12g
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Saturated Fat: 5g
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Carbohydrates: 1g
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Protein: 9g
(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on bacon type and cheese brand.)
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Every Time
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Don’t Skip Freezing:
Freezing the cheese is essential. If you skip it, the cheese will melt out of the bacon before it crisps. Make sure the sticks are rock solid frozen before wrapping. -
Use Thin Bacon:
Thin-cut bacon crisps faster and wraps better than thick-cut, which can be too chewy or burn before the cheese melts. -
Precook Bacon Just Right:
Precook the bacon until it’s partially cooked but still flexible. Too crispy and it will break when wrapping. -
Season Your Bacon:
Italian seasoning adds a great flavor dimension but feel free to try other seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes for a spicy kick. -
Use Toothpicks if Needed:
Toothpicks help hold the bacon ends secure, especially if bacon slices don’t fully overlap. -
Serve with Hot Dipping Sauces:
Warm marinara is classic, but creamy ranch or a spicy sriracha mayo also pair deliciously.
Variations and Creative Twists
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Add a Layer of Prosciutto: Wrap a slice of prosciutto around the cheese before bacon for a super salty, rich bite.
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Jalapeño Bacon Mozzarella Sticks: Add thin slices of jalapeño inside the bacon wrap for a spicy surprise.
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Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on bacon before the final bake for a crispy cheesy crust.
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Smoked Mozzarella: Swap regular string cheese for smoked mozzarella for an extra smoky flavor.
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Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes instead of baking for a quicker, crispier option.
Serving Suggestions
These bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks make fantastic appetizers for parties, game days, or casual get-togethers. Serve alongside:
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Fresh vegetable crudités and dips
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Garlic bread or cheesy pull-apart bread
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Classic sliders or mini sandwiches
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A cold beer or your favorite cocktail
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), store cooled sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat:
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Bake in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and bacon crisps up again.
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Avoid microwaving as it makes the bacon chewy and the cheese rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use thick-cut bacon?
A: You can, but thick bacon may not wrap as neatly and might need longer baking. Thin bacon yields the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze the assembled bacon-wrapped sticks before baking?
A: Yes! Freeze wrapped sticks on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra bake time.
Q: What cheese can I substitute?
A: String mozzarella works best for texture and melting, but you could try mild provolone sticks if available.
Final Thoughts
Bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are one of those irresistible snacks that combines the best of smoky bacon with the creamy indulgence of melted cheese. The simple recipe, with minimal ingredients and steps, creates a dish that feels gourmet but is easy enough for any home cook.
Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself, these sticks bring warmth, flavor, and crunch in every bite. With the tips and variations above, you can customize and perfect this recipe to suit your tastes and occasions.
Next time you want a snack that’s a step above the usual, give bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks a try — your taste buds will thank you!