Cheesy bacon sticks (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Sticks
01 -
12 frozen mozzarella sticks
02 -
12 slices of bacon
→ Breading
03 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 -
1 cup panko crumbs for a super crispy texture
06 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1/2 cup regular flour
08 -
2 large eggs, beaten
→ Extras
09 -
Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil for the tray
10 -
Marinara sauce for dunking
# Instructions:
01 -
Pop the mozzarella sticks into your freezer for a good 30 minutes or so. Frozen sticks are key—you don’t want them melting all over the baking tray later. Learned that the hard way!
02 -
Warm your oven up to 425°F. Then grab a baking tray, cover it with some parchment, and spritz a bit of cooking spray or brush on some olive oil to stop things from sticking.
03 -
Grab each frozen stick and snag a slice of bacon. Wind the bacon from one end to the other, overlapping a little. If it’s slipping loose, poke it in place with a toothpick. Don’t forget to pull the toothpicks out before serving, though!
04 -
Set up three bowls or wide plates. In one, add the flour. In the next, beat those eggs until smooth. Lastly, mix the panko crumbs with the garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir everything well so it's evenly blended.
05 -
Take a bacon-wrapped stick and roll it in the flour first. Tap off any excess. Dip it in the egg mix, making sure it’s covered everywhere, then roll it through the panko mix. Press a little to stick the breading on. Place each finished one on the baking sheet.
06 -
Slide the tray into your hot oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them near the end so they don’t overcook but look for bacon that’s crispy and cheese just starting to ooze.
07 -
When they're done, give them a few minutes to cool off—trust me, that cheese will burn your mouth otherwise! Heat up some marinara while you're waiting and serve it alongside the sticks. They'll be gone in no time!
# Notes:
01 -
These cheesy bacon snacks are a surefire hit at parties, game days, or anytime comfort food is calling your name. That combo of crispy bacon and melted cheese? Incredible!
02 -
If you notice the cheese melting too fast, try using thicker bacon or partly cooking the bacon for a minute or two in the microwave beforehand.
03 -
Freezing is the not-so-secret trick here—it keeps the sticks together while cooking. Prep them ahead, freeze them, and they'll be ready to bake when you want!