Description
These crispy bacon mozzarella sticks are the ultimate party snack, featuring a double-dredged breading and a thick-cut bacon wrapper that keeps the low-moisture mozzarella intact and deliciously gooey inside.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block low-moisture mozzarella cheese (cut into 1/2 inch thick, 3 inch long sticks)
- Thick-cut bacon (at least 3/8 inch thick, cut in half crosswise)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked with a pinch of salt
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil (for frying)
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Cut the low-moisture mozzarella block into sticks about 1/2 inch thick and 3 inches long. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours until rock hard.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Dredge a frozen cheese stick in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured stick into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage.
- Press the egg-coated stick into the panko mixture, coating all sides. Place back on the tray.
- Wrap a strip of thick-cut bacon around the center of the cheese stick, tucking or overlapping the ends.
- For extra crunch, optionally dip the bacon-wrapped stick back into the egg wash and then into the panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the wrapped sticks on the tray and freeze for at least 1 hour to set the wrapper.
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 3-4 sticks at a time for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce.
Notes
It is critical to freeze the cheese sticks solid before frying to prevent leaking. Use thick-cut bacon to ensure it crisps up without burning. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F. Do not use pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Prep Time: 3 hours (including freezing time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 sticks per perso
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 8
Keywords: bacon mozzarella sticks, party snacks, game day food, fried cheese, appetizer recipe, crispy snacks, tailgate food