BBQ Bacon- – A Crispy, Cheesy Delight!
These BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate indulgence—crispy, cheesy, smoky, and packed with bold flavor! Whether you deep-fry, bake, or air-fry, these mouthwatering bites are perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun appetizer!
Ingredients (Makes 12 Sticks)
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
12 slices thick-cut bacon
½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oil for frying (if deep-frying)
Toothpicks (for securing bacon)
Directions
Preparation
1️⃣ Freeze the Cheese Sticks
Before wrapping, place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
This prevents them from melting too quickly while cooking.
2️⃣ Season & Wrap with Bacon
In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning onto each mozzarella stick.
Wrap each cheese stick tightly with bacon, making sure to cover the cheese completely. Secure both ends with toothpicks.
Brush each wrapped mozzarella stick lightly with BBQ sauce.
3️⃣ Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three bowls:
Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese
4️⃣ Coat the Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Roll each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in flour.
Dip into the beaten eggs.
Coat with the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Repeat for all sticks to ensure even coverage.
Cooking Methods
Option 1: Deep-Frying
✔ Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot.
✔ Fry each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
✔ Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Option 2: Baking
✔ Preheat oven