Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Every now and then, I stumble upon a recipe that feels like it was made just for my family, and these crispy bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are one of those magical finds. The first time I made them, it was on a whim—I had mozzarella sticks in the freezer and a pack of bacon sitting in the fridge, practically begging to be combined. As soon as they came out of the oven, golden and bubbling with gooey cheese peeking through the crisp, smoky bacon, I knew I’d hit the jackpot. My kids’ eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning, and my husband, who is usually reserved in his praise, gave me an enthusiastic thumbs-up while reaching for a second one. That’s when I knew these would become a household favorite.

What I love most is how simple and quick they are to make—perfect for those busy afternoons when homework, errands, and sports practice seem to fill every second of the day. They’re also versatile: a snack for the kids, a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game day, or even a late-night indulgence when you just want something comforting. The smoky, salty bacon wrapping around that ooey-gooey mozzarella creates a combination that’s almost too good to share. Honestly, these never last long in my house, and every time I make them, I’m reminded why sometimes, it’s the simplest recipes that bring the biggest smiles. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, big-impact recipe, these bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks will be your new favorite too.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well, though it may not crisp up quite as much as pork bacon. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out.

Do I need to pre-cook the mozzarella sticks?
Nope! Use frozen mozzarella sticks straight from the freezer. This keeps them from melting too quickly while the bacon cooks.

Can these be made ahead of time?
Yes. You can wrap them in bacon and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake or air fry. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time if chilled.

What’s the best way to keep them crispy?
Serve them immediately after cooking for the best texture. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! In fact, they turn out wonderfully crisp in the air fryer. Just cook them at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.

What You Need to Make Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

12 frozen mozzarella sticks

12 slices of thin-cut bacon (one per mozzarella stick)

Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)

Cooking spray or parchment paper (for baking)

Special Equipment:

Baking sheet or air fryer basket

Tongs

How to Make Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Preheat your oven to 400°F (or air fryer to 375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Take your frozen mozzarella sticks and wrap each one with a slice of bacon. Start at one end and spiral tightly to cover as much cheese as possible. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

Place wrapped mozzarella sticks seam side down on the prepared baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.

Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes or air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden.

Remove from oven or air fryer and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy immediately while gooey and warm.

Tips for Making the Best Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Use frozen mozzarella sticks: This prevents the cheese from melting too fast before the bacon crisps.

Choose thin-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook, which may cause the cheese to ooze out too early.

Keep them evenly spaced: Whether baking or air frying, ensure they’re not touching for maximum crispiness.

Add a kick: Sprinkle with chili flakes or brush with hot honey for a sweet-spicy twist.

Serving idea: Pair them with marinara sauce, ranch, or even a smoky barbecue dip for a restaurant-style experience at home.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These are a game-changer! I made them for movie night, and they were gone in minutes. Definitely making again next weekend!” – Sarah J.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Super easy and tasty. I might try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder next time for extra flavor.” – Mark P.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for after-school snacks! My kids devoured them and asked for seconds immediately. Thank you for this idea!” – Heather T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good flavor, but my bacon didn’t crisp up as much as I hoped. Next time I’ll try the air fryer.” – Daniel M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I served these at my holiday party, and they were the first thing to disappear. Huge hit with all ages!” – Jenny R.

Printable Recipe

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