Crispy Bacon-Wrapped

Introduction

Crispy Bacon Mozzarella sticks are the ultimate indulgent snack combining smoky bacon and gooey cheese. Perfect for parties or a comforting appetizer, these bites offer a delightful crunch with a sweet hint of maple syrup.

Ingredients

• 8 thick-cut bacon strips
• 8 low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• 8 wooden toothpicks
• Sriracha-ranch dip for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wrap each mozzarella stick tightly with one bacon strip and secure it with a wooden toothpick.
2. Step 2: Set up a breading station with three separate bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
3. Step 3: Dip each bacon-wrapped stick first into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil to exactly 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot.
5. Step 5: Fry the prepared sticks for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and the bacon is crispy.
6. Step 6: Remove the sticks carefully and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to remove excess oil.
7. Step 7: While still warm, drizzle the sticks with pure maple syrup for a sweet glaze.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately with Sriracha-ranch dip for an extra kick.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the oil is at the right temperature; too low and the bacon will absorb oil, too hot and the coating may burn before the bacon crisps.
• For a spicier twist, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the panko breadcrumbs before coating.
• You can substitute the Sriracha-ranch dip with a garlic aioli or honey mustard for different flavor profiles.

Storage

Store leftover bacon mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these in advance?

You can assemble the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks ahead of time and refrigerate them, but it’s best to bread and fry just before serving for optimal crispiness.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Low-moisture mozzarella sticks are ideal because they melt well without releasing too much moisture, ensuring a gooey center without sogginess.

Crispy Bacon-Wrapped

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★★★★★

4.6 from 106 reviews

Crispy Bacon Mozzarella is a delicious appetizer featuring mozzarella cheese sticks wrapped in thick-cut bacon, then breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. Finished with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and served with a spicy Sriracha-ranch dip, this recipe combines salty, crispy bacon with gooey cheese and a sweet-spicy contrast for an irresistible snack or party treat.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings (1 popper each) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bacon Mozzarella Poppers

• 8 thick-cut bacon strips
• 8 low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 8 wooden toothpicks
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Glaze and Dip

• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• Sriracha-ranch dip for serving

Instructions

1. Wrap Cheese with Bacon: Take one mozzarella stick and tightly wrap it with a thick-cut bacon strip. Secure the bacon in place with a wooden toothpick so it holds firmly during cooking.
2. Prepare Breading Station: Arrange three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This setup will streamline the breading process.
3. Bread the Wrapped Sticks: Dip each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick first into the flour, coating evenly. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage. Finally, roll the stick in panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly, which will create a crispy crust when fried.
4. Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature for even cooking and crispiness.
5. Fry the Poppers: Carefully place the breaded sticks into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes. Fry until they are golden brown and the bacon is crispy, making sure to turn them as needed for even browning.
6. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried poppers from the oil and place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows excess oil to drain off, keeping them crispy rather than soggy.
7. Drizzle with Maple Glaze: While the poppers are still warm, drizzle them with pure maple syrup. The warmth helps the glaze adhere nicely, adding a sweet contrast to the salty, savory flavors.
8. Serve: Serve the crispy bacon mozzarella poppers immediately, accompanied by Sriracha-ranch dip for a spicy, creamy complement to the rich, crispy bites.

Notes

• Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked poppers.
• Use thick-cut bacon for better wrapping and a more substantial crunch.
• Low-moisture mozzarella is preferred to prevent excessive cheese melt and leakage during frying.
• Draining on a wire rack rather than paper towels helps maintain crispiness.
• Adjust the quantity of Sriracha in the dip according to your spice preference.

Keywords: bacon mozzarella poppers, deep fried cheese sticks, bacon wrapped snacks, crispy bacon appetizers, maple glazed cheese sticks