Description
Bacon-Wrapped Crispy Mozzarella Sticks deliver an exceptional contrast of textures, combining a crackling, smoky exterior with a warm, pull-apart cheese center.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 sticks low-moisture part-skim mozzarella string cheese ((1 oz / 28 g each))
- 24 slices thin-cut bacon ((about 1.5 lbs / 680 g))
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups neutral frying oil ((canola, vegetable, or peanut oil))
- 1 cup warm marinara sauce ((optional, for serving))
- 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley ((finely chopped, optional garnish))
Instructions
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap all 12 mozzarella sticks. In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Wrap each cheese stick using two slices of thin-cut bacon: cap the top tip with the first slice and spiral halfway down at an angle, overlapping each turn. Cap the bottom tip with the second slice and spiral upward, overlapping the first slice in the center so zero cheese is exposed.
- Secure each stick with three wooden toothpicks (one through the top cap, one through the bottom cap, and one through the center seam). Roll each stick in the seasoned cornstarch, tapping off excess so only a sheer dusting remains. Place onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze the sticks uncovered for at least 2 hours until frozen solid.
- Heat 4 cups of neutral oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 365°F (185°C). Set a wire rack inside a baking sheet nearby.
- Working in batches of 3 or 4 sticks directly from the freezer, fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is deep mahogany brown, rendered, and crisp. Remove immediately if cheese begins to escape.
- Transfer to the wire rack to rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully twist and pull out all toothpicks. Allow the oil to return to 365°F (185°C) before frying subsequent batches. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 0
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 60
Keywords: Use only standard thin-cut bacon; thick-cut will not render in time. Do not skip the 2-hour freeze; it prevents the cheese from melting before the bacon crisps. Make-ahead: Store assembled, uncooked sticks in a freezer bag for up to 2 months and fry directly from frozen. Store cooked leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or 360°F (182°C) air fryer for 4 to 6 minutes. Do not microwave.