Crispy Bacon-Wrapped
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://cheframi.com/crispy-bacon-wrapped/
