Cheesy crispy bacon bites (Print Version)
Cheese sticks are wrapped in bacon, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked until golden and melty. A must-try for any party or snack craving.
# Ingredients:
→ For the sticks
01 -
12 bacon slices
02 -
12 frozen mozzarella sticks
→ For the breading
03 -
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
04 -
2 big eggs
05 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 -
1 teaspoon garlic seasoning
07 -
1/2 cup plain flour
08 -
1 cup panko crumbs (makes it extra crispy)
→ Other
09 -
Olive oil or cooking spray to grease
10 -
Dipping marinara sauce on the side
# Directions:
01 -
Pop your mozzarella sticks into the freezer for a good 30 minutes or more. They need to be super cold so you don't wind up with messy, melted cheese all over the place while they cook!
02 -
Set your oven to 425°F. Meanwhile, get a baking sheet ready by laying down parchment paper and giving it a quick spritz of oil to stop anything from sticking.
03 -
Grab your frozen cheese sticks and wrap one bacon strip around each. Overlap the bacon slightly as you go, starting from one end and spiraling it to the other. If it won't stay in place, use a toothpick to secure it (just remember to take the toothpicks out later!).
04 -
Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, put the flour. In the second, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third, mix the panko crumbs with the paprika, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir the last one well so everything's combined.
05 -
Take your bacon-wrapped sticks and roll one first in the flour until it's completely covered. Dip it into the egg wash next and make sure the egg coats every surface. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to firmly stick the crumbs on all sides. Lay each coated stick on the baking sheet when finished.
06 -
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven and let the sticks bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the bacon is crispy and golden. You're aiming for gooey cheese with bacon that's done just right. Keep an eye on it near the end so it doesn't burn!
07 -
Once they're out of the oven, let them sit for a couple of minutes to cool down. The cheese inside will be crazy hot! While you're waiting, heat up some marinara sauce, then set everything out for dipping. They're gonna go fast!
# Notes:
01 -
These cheesy bacon-wrapped treats are always a big hit! Perfect for parties, game nights, or when you just feel like indulging in something super comforting.
02 -
If your cheese melts too fast and the bacon doesn't get crispy, try wrapping it with thicker-cut bacon or microwaving the bacon for a minute or two before using.
03 -
Freezing the cheese sticks beforehand is key. It keeps the cheese from oozing everywhere while the bacon cooks. You can freeze everything the night before if you're prepping ahead of time!