If you’re looking to elevate your appetizer game with a dish that combines crispy, gooey, smoky, and savory flavors all in one bite, bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks are the answer. These golden, cheesy treats offer the perfect contrast of textures—melty mozzarella encased in salty, crispy bacon, all wrapped around a crunchy, golden exterior.
Ideal for parties, game days, or even a satisfying late-night snack, this recipe is easy to make, low-carb, and incredibly addictive. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a platter of these irresistible bacon bombs that will disappear the moment they hit the table. Whether you dip them in marinara, ranch, or enjoy them on their own, bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that takes indulgent snacking to the next level.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or mozzarella cut into thick batons)
- 12 slices of thin-cut bacon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing)
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Sticks
Start by unwrapping the mozzarella sticks and placing them on a tray. If using mozzarella from a block, cut them into finger-length batons about 1/2 inch thick. For best results, freeze the mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before wrapping. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking. - Wrap with Bacon
Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each frozen mozzarella stick, starting at one end and spiraling to the other. Ensure that the bacon overlaps slightly to cover all the cheese. If needed, use toothpicks to secure the ends so the bacon stays in place while cooking. - Season the Wraps
Lightly season the bacon-wrapped cheese sticks with garlic powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds extra depth of flavor and enhances the savory punch of the bacon. - Chill Again (Optional but Recommended)
Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks back in the freezer for another 15–30 minutes. This helps firm everything up and keeps the cheese from oozing out during cooking. - Cook the Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
There are two main cooking methods you can use:- In the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the wrapped cheese sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crisp and browned.
- In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack. Arrange the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks on the tray and bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until bacon is fully cooked and crispy.
- Let Them Rest Briefly
Once cooked, let the mozzarella sticks cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to firm up slightly and prevents burns from hot, molten cheese. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve your bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a crispy exterior and that satisfying cheese pull inside.