There’s something about bacon, cheese, and BBQ sauce that just screams comfort food. These BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks take the classic mozzarella stick to the next level by wrapping them in crispy bacon and coating them in smoky BBQ flavor. Whether you fry or bake them, they’re ridiculously good—ooey, gooey cheese wrapped in salty, crispy bacon with a touch of sweet and smoky BBQ sauce.
They’re perfect for game nights, parties, or just when you need an indulgent snack. And trust me, they disappear fast!
Why This Recipe Works
- Bacon makes everything better – The crispy, salty bacon pairs perfectly with the melty mozzarella.
- BBQ sauce adds smoky sweetness – A brush of BBQ sauce makes these even more flavorful.
- Quick & easy – Just wrap, fry or bake, and enjoy!
- Crowd-pleaser – Everyone loves cheese sticks, and adding bacon makes them even more irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4-6 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins)
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 12 slices of bacon
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Oil for frying (if not baking)
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing bacon)
How to Make BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
1. Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks
Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it tightly with one slice of bacon, making sure to cover the entire cheese stick to prevent melting leaks. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
2. Choose Your Cooking Method
You can either deep-fry or bake these delicious snacks:
- Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Baking Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
3. Cook Until Crispy
- For Frying: Carefully lower the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
- For Baking: Place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks on the lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Brush them with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking.
4. Add the Final Touches
Once done, sprinkle smoked paprika over the mozzarella sticks for an extra hit of smoky flavor. Serve hot and watch them vanish in seconds!
Pro Tips & Variations
🔹 Want them extra crispy? Broil for the last 1-2 minutes if baking, or double-fry if deep-frying.
🔹 Spice it up! Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce for extra heat.
🔹 Try different cheeses! If you want variety, swap out mozzarella for cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone.
🔹 Need a dipping sauce? Serve with ranch, spicy mayo, or extra BBQ sauce for dipping.
What to Serve with BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
These crispy, cheesy snacks are great on their own, but they also pair well with:
- A cool, creamy dip – Ranch or blue cheese dressing complements the smoky bacon.
- Crispy fries or onion rings – Make it a full snack platter.
- A refreshing drink – These go great with cold beer, lemonade, or a sweet iced tea.
- Grilled meats – Serve alongside burgers or BBQ chicken for an epic feast.
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Wrap the cheese sticks in bacon and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from melting too fast?
A: Freeze the wrapped mozzarella sticks for 10-15 minutes before cooking to keep the cheese from oozing out.
Q: Can I air-fry these instead?
A: Absolutely! Air-fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with BBQ sauce in the last few minutes.
Q: What’s the best bacon to use?
A: Thin-cut bacon works best because it crisps up faster. Thick-cut bacon may need a little longer to cook.
Why You’ll Love These
These BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are everything you want in a snack—crispy, cheesy, smoky, and a little sweet from the BBQ sauce. Whether you’re frying, baking, or air-frying, they turn out delicious every time.
They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to be the first thing gone at any party. Try them out and let me know how they turn out!
BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: The Ultimate Cheesy Snack
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (if frying)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
- Wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary.
- In a shallow bowl, set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- If frying, heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the sticks until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- If baking, place the sticks on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until bacon is crispy.
- Remove the toothpicks if used, and serve hot with BBQ sauce for dipping.
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