Cheesy Bacon Sticks

Smoky bacon wrapped snugly around stretchy mozzarella makes a mouthwatering treat that turns basic cheese sticks into something special. These tasty bites mix the savory goodness of bacon with the stretchy pull of melted cheese, all wrapped in a crunchy, golden coating. They're great for watching sports, having friends over, or when you just need a really good snack that hits all the right notes with each bite.

I whipped these up for a football watch party once, and they vanished quicker than any other snack on the table. Even my health-conscious brother-in-law gobbled down seven before shyly confessing he couldn't turn down the bacon-cheese combo. There's something kind of magical about how the bacon flavor seeps into the mozzarella while they cook together.

Fresh Ingredients Make The Difference

• Mozzarella string cheese: Go with the full-fat kind for the best melt and that satisfying stretch when you bite in
• Bacon: Thinner slices work better since they crisp up nicely and wrap more easily around the cheese sticks
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base layer that helps everything else stick properly
• Large eggs: Gives the moisture needed for breadcrumb sticking and adds some richness
• Panko breadcrumbs: Gives a better crunch than regular breadcrumbs for that perfect outer texture
• Garlic powder: Adds a light savory touch to the coating without taking over
• Smoked paprika: Boosts the bacon's smokiness and gives a nice color
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat that works well with both the cheese and bacon

Step-By-Step Directions

Get Ready First:

Stick unwrapped cheese sticks in the freezer for 30 minutes so they won't melt too fast during cooking.

Set Up Your Area:

Arrange three shallow dishes - put flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and mix your breadcrumbs with spices in the third.

Bacon Wrapping:

Take each frozen cheese stick and carefully wrap bacon around it, letting the edges overlap slightly to cover the whole stick for even cooking.

Coating Process:

Roll your bacon-wrapped stick in flour first, then dunk in egg mixture, and finally roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs until fully covered.

Baking Time:

Lay your prepared sticks on a parchment-covered baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until the bacon gets crispy and cheese starts melting.

Extra Crunch:

For super crispy sticks, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes but keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

Cooling Moment:

Let them sit for 3-5 minutes before serving so the cheese can firm up a bit while staying gooey inside.

Serving Style:

Put them on a warm plate alongside some dipping sauces for the best experience.

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I've tried all sorts of cheeses through the years, but always end up using regular mozzarella sticks. Their mild flavor just works so well with the salty, smoky bacon without fighting for attention. My kids go crazy when I sprinkle a little brown sugar on the bacon before wrapping - it makes this amazing sweet-salty mix that's totally addictive.

Tasty Companions

Round out your snack spread with foods that balance these rich bites. Some fresh veggies with a light dip offer a nice fresh contrast to the heavy bacon and cheese. A vinegar-dressed coleslaw instead of a creamy one can help clean your palate between bites. For drinks, try a light beer or some sparkling water with lemon to cut through all that richness.

Creative Variations

Make these cheese sticks your own by playing with different flavors. Try using pepper bacon for extra zing, or mix some Italian herbs into your breadcrumbs. If you like heat, add some cayenne to the breadcrumb mix or serve with spicy sriracha mayo on the side. Vegetarians can get in on the fun too with plant-based bacon and vegan cheese sticks instead.

Using Up Extras

Keep any leftover sticks in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them up in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to get them crispy again, and don't use the microwave or they'll turn soggy. You can also slice them up and toss them in salads, or chop them into morning eggs for a fancy breakfast upgrade.

A Treat For All Senses

These bacon-wrapped cheese sticks really do it all - you'll hear them sizzle in the oven, smell that amazing bacon cooking, see the golden-brown outside, feel the contrast between the crispy coating and gooey center, and taste all those savory flavors coming together. I think they're best when you dip them in slightly warmed marinara sauce that brings out all the aromatic flavors.

After tons of kitchen testing, I've found that bacon quality really makes or breaks this snack. Surprisingly, mid-range bacon works best - the fancy stuff often has too much fat that melts out and makes the coating soggy, while the cheapest bacon doesn't pack enough flavor. Look for bacon with a good balance of meat and fat, and your cheese sticks will have that perfect mix of textures that makes everyone reach for seconds.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I switch out panko for regular breadcrumbs?

Sure, regular breadcrumbs will do the job. But panko crumbs give a crispier texture! Add another spoonful or two if you go for regular ones.

→ What's the point of freezing the cheese sticks first?

Freezing slows down the melting of the cheese while the bacon gets cooked. Skip this step, and the cheese might melt all over instead.

→ Is it okay to prep these in advance?

Absolutely! Assemble them fully, freeze them flat on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag. When baking, add 5 more minutes to the cooking time.

→ Aside from marinara, what dips work well?

Try ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or even sriracha mayo. Mix it up and let guests pick their favorite!

→ Why isn't my bacon getting crispy?

Thin bacon crisps faster! Or, zap it in the microwave for a couple of minutes before wrapping. A touch of oil on the breadcrumbs can also help.