If you love crispy bacon, melty mozzarella, and tangy BBQ sauce, this recipe is going to rock your snack world. These BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks take the gooey pull of traditional mozzarella sticks and wrap them in smoky-sweet glory. With only four ingredients and minimal prep, they’re the perfect party snack, game-day appetizer, or let’s-just-indulge treat.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is the kind of snack that disappears before you even get to sit down. It’s the perfect combo of textures and flavors: crispy bacon on the outside, molten cheese in the middle, and that sticky BBQ glaze that caramelizes in the oven for a smoky-sweet finish.
They’re just as much of a crowd hit as Beer Cheese Dip or Sheet Pan Quesadillas, but they’re even easier to pop into your mouth one after another. (Trust me. I’ve tested this theory thoroughly.)
Ingredients
- 12 slices of bacon
- 12 sticks of mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
- Toothpicks
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Bacon: Use regular cut—not thick—so it crisps up nicely in the oven.
- Mozzarella: Pre-packaged mozzarella sticks work great here. Freeze them for 30 minutes before wrapping if you want to avoid cheese blowouts.
- BBQ Sauce: Sweet, spicy, smoky—it’s up to you! Homemade or store-bought works.
- Toothpicks: Essential to keep everything snug during baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil. Place a wire rack on top. - Wrap the Cheese
Cut each bacon slice in half lengthwise. Wrap each mozzarella stick in a half slice of bacon and secure the ends with a toothpick. - Add BBQ Glaze
Place the wrapped sticks on the wire rack. Brush each with a generous coat of BBQ sauce. - Bake Until Perfect
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese starts to melt out slightly. Watch closely near the end—cheese melts fast! - Cool Slightly & Serve
Let cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Tips for Success
- Freeze your cheese sticks first: This helps them hold shape better in the oven and reduces melting leaks.
- Use a wire rack: It allows the bacon to crisp evenly all around.
- Watch the clock: Cheese melts fast—don’t walk away during the final minutes!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These smoky, cheesy bombs pair perfectly with:
- Beer Cheese Dip – because double cheese is always a win
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – for a creamy, beefy contrast
- Dorito Casserole – make it a full-on comfort spread
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – for a flavorful party platter
- Chicken Enchiladas – if you’re turning snacks into a full-on meal
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Best in an air fryer or oven at 375°F to keep the bacon crisp and the cheese gooey.
- Freezer Tip: Freeze uncooked wrapped sticks and bake straight from frozen, adding 5–8 minutes to the time.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re here for all things bacon, cheese, and bold flavor, check out:
- Beer Cheese Dip – perfect for dunking
- Dorito Casserole – cheesy, crunchy, craveable
- Crockpot Nacho Dip – great for a crowd
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – customizable and easy
- Chicken Enchiladas – always a classic
Final Thoughts
These BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the answer to every snack emergency, party table, or weeknight craving that screams for something cheesy and indulgent. They’re smoky, sweet, crispy, and melty in all the right places—and they never last long.
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