These Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers are a fun and tasty treat! Imagine melty mozzarella wrapped in crispy bacon, ready for a perfect bite.
Who can resist that combination? I love serving these at parties, and they always disappear quickly. Plus, they are super easy to make—just wrap, bake, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Sticks: Stick to string cheese for easy slicing. If you want a twist, try using pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a different flavor.
Bacon: Regular bacon works perfectly, but you could use turkey bacon or even prosciutto for a lighter option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give an extra crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, although the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated will suffice. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Ensure Crispy Bacon and Gooey Cheese?
Getting the perfect combination of crispy bacon and melty cheese can be tricky, but here are some tips that work for me:
- Preheat the oven correctly; this helps to cook everything evenly.
- Make sure the bacon wraps tightly around the cheese. Loose wrapping can lead to uneven cooking.
- Using panko breadcrumbs is key for that extra crunch. If you have time, consider double breading for added texture.
- Check on them a few minutes before the bake time ends. If they are getting too brown, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
How to Make Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), cut in half
- 12 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil, for baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes around 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of baking time. So in about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a tasty snack or appetizer ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier. Lightly spray or brush it with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Wrap Cheese Sticks with Bacon:
Take each half mozzarella stick and wrap it tightly with a half slice of bacon. If you find it hard to keep the bacon in place, you can use toothpicks to secure them, but try to keep the ends of the bacon tucked underneath to avoid unraveling while baking.
3. Set Up a Breading Station:
Now, prepare your breading station: In a shallow bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with the water until combined. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Sticks:
Take each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick and first roll it in the flour. Make sure to shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any extra egg to drip back into the bowl. Lastly, coat the stick thoroughly with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
5. Bake the Poppers:
Arrange your coated poppers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t crowded. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch, and enjoy that perfect combination of gooey mozzarella, crispy bacon, and crunchy coating!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely before wrapping with bacon. Thawing in the fridge overnight works best, or you can leave them out at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bread the poppers ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well With These Poppers?
They taste fantastic with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli. Feel free to get creative with your favorite dipping sauces!
