If you’re craving a seriously indulgent, crowd-pleasing snack, these Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks will have you feeling like a party hero. Gooey melted mozzarella snuggled inside layers of crisp, smoky bacon—each bite is a warm, salty-satisfying hug, and they’re just as easy to make as they are to devour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Endlessly Satisfying: Every bite delivers that oozy, melty cheese paired with the savory crunch of bacon—total comfort food, no utensils required.
- Effortlessly Impressive: These Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks look and taste gourmet, but they’re astonishingly simple to make with just a couple of ingredients.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a fun family snack, these cheesy bacon bites vanish faster than you can say “seconds please!”
- Totally Customizable: You can easily tweak these to suit different tastes or dietary needs—think spices, dips, or even a gluten-free option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It doesn’t get much simpler, but don’t underestimate how important each ingredient is! With just two key components, you’ll get flavor, texture, and that perfect golden color every time.
- 12 string cheese or mozzarella cheese sticks: Go for whole-milk mozzarella for maximum meltiness and stringy, pull-apart goodness.
- 36 strips pre-cooked packaged bacon: Pre-cooked bacon is the secret to quick, even crisping without the greasy mess—plus it’s flexible enough for snug, secure wrapping when it’s just lightly heated.
Variations
Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are just begging for a little creativity—don’t be afraid to play! With a few tweaks, you can make them spicy, herby, keto-friendly or perfectly matched to your favorite dipping sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle crushed red pepper or cayenne over the cheese before wrapping for a little heat with every cheesy bite.
- Herb-Infused: Tuck in fresh basil or sprinkle Italian seasoning on the cheese for fragrant, pizza-inspired flavor.
- Keto & Low Carb: Use a sugar-free bacon and double-check your mozzarella to keep things extra low-carb—no breading needed!
- Cheese Swap: Try with pepper jack, cheddar, or Colby-Jack cheese sticks for a new flavor twist.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 425°F and grab a large baking sheet—lining it with parchment paper or foil will save you time on cleanup and keep your bacon from sticking. This step sets you up for a quick, easy process and ensures an even bake for every Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Stick.
Step 2: Wrap the Cheese Sticks
Take one cheese stick at a time and start by wrapping a strip of pre-cooked bacon at one end, overlapping it slightly as you go to fully cover the cheese. Tuck the end of your bacon into a fold to keep everything snug—repeat with additional strips as needed so the entire cheese stick, including the tips, is wrapped in delicious bacon.
Step 3: Arrange and Bake
As you finish wrapping each stick, place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Continue until all the Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are ready. Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 6–10 minutes—just until the bacon is sizzling and crisp but before the cheese starts to ooze out all over the place.
Step 4: Let Cool Slightly and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the cheese sticks cool for a minute or two so the cheese sets slightly. Transfer them to a serving platter and get ready for lots of happy faces—serve them hot while the cheese is perfectly melty and gooey!
Pro Tips for Making Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
- Make the Bacon Flexible: If your pre-cooked bacon feels a bit stiff, warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it perfectly pliable for wrapping.
- Double Wrap for No Leaks: Overlap the bacon and cover both ends of the cheese stick—this keeps all that gorgeous melty cheese right where you want it instead of escaping onto the pan.
- Watch the Oven: Keep a close eye toward the end of baking—the cheese can go from beautifully gooey to full-on lava flow surprisingly quickly!
- Small Batch Baking: For the best crispy bacon texture and even cheese melt, bake your Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks in a single layer with space between each stick.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a shower of grated Parmesan, or a dusting of chili flakes all add a pop of color and a little extra flavor punch to these Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks. Serve with a bowl of marinara or ranch for irresistible dunking.
Side Dishes
Balance out all that cheesy, bacon goodness with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, cool carrot sticks, or some crunchy celery. For a full party table, they’re perfect alongside wings, sliders, or nachos!
Creative Ways to Present
Thread Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks onto cute party skewers for mess-free snacking or arrange them upright in a mason jar for an eye-catching appetizer bouquet. You can even slice them into bite-sized rounds and serve as savory “coins” for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow end up with leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), let the sticks cool to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’ll stay tasty and cheesy without drying out.
Freezing
These actually freeze surprisingly well! Once the Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks are baked and cooled, lay them on a tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the cheese sticks on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven until heated through and crispy again—about 7-10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven is best for restoring that perfect bacon crunch.
FAQs
-
Can I use regular, uncooked bacon instead of pre-cooked?
Using regular uncooked bacon isn’t recommended for this recipe. The cheese will melt far faster than raw bacon can get crispy, leading to a greasy, uneven finish. Pre-cooked bacon gives you flexible wrapping and that satisfying crunch without the risk of over-melted cheese.
-
How do I keep the cheese from oozing out?
The key is to overlap and seal the bacon on both ends, and to bake just until the bacon is crisp—no longer. Keep a close watch on the oven during those last couple minutes, and let the sticks cool slightly before serving.
-
Can I make Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep them up to the baking step and store the wrapped cheese sticks (covered) in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven—you might need to add an extra minute or two to the bake time.
-
Can I air fry Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks?
Yes! Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 4-7 minutes, checking close to the end. You’ll have extra-crispy bacon and all the gooey cheese you love, minus the oven.
Final Thoughts
I can’t think of a more party-perfect, happiness-inspiring snack than Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks—crispy, cheesy, and gloriously simple. Next time you want to treat yourself or wow your guests, whip up a batch and enjoy every bite. You deserve it!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Cheese Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cheese sticks 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
Description
These bacon-wrapped mozzarella cheese sticks are a delicious and indulgent appetizer or snack that combines the savory goodness of crispy bacon with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for parties or game day gatherings, these cheesy treats are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ingredients
Cheese Sticks:
- 12 string cheese or mozzarella cheese sticks
Bacon Wrapping:
- 36 strips pre-cooked packaged bacon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Wrap Cheese: Starting at one end of a cheese stick, wrap one strip of bacon around it, overlapping halfway each time to secure the bacon. Tuck the end into a fold to prevent unwrapping. Repeat with 1-2 more strips until completely covered.
- Bake: Place wrapped cheese sticks on a baking sheet and bake for 6-10 minutes until the bacon is crisp but before the cheese loses its form.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese stick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
