BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: The Ultimate Party Snack
Looking for a party snack that’s sure to impress your guests? These BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect combination of smoky, cheesy, and crispy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a game day celebration or a casual get-together, this indulgent appetizer will steal the show. Imagine gooey melted mozzarella wrapped in savory bacon, coated with crunchy breadcrumbs, and glazed with smoky barbecue sauce—what’s not to love?
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this crowd-pleaser that balances rich flavors and a hint of smokiness while delivering an explosion of texture in every bite. These bacon-wrapped delights are well-suited for any occasion and are surprisingly easy to make. Keep reading for all the juicy details!
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect mix of creamy mozzarella, savory bacon, and tangy barbecue sauce.
- Texture: Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside.
- Aroma: The smoky fragrance of bacon paired with the light aroma of frying breaded cheese.
- Visual Appeal: Golden breadcrumbs with a shiny BBQ sauce glaze make these mozzarella sticks irresistible.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly but rewarding for cooks of all levels.
- Special Equipment: A deep frying pan or pot is essential; optionally, use toothpicks for securing bacon.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: These are easy to whip up with simple ingredients, although the frying step requires attention.
- Category: Appetizers and snacks suitable for casual entertaining or party settings.
- Cuisine: A fusion of classic American comfort food with smoky barbecue flavors.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, with affordable ingredients like string cheese and bacon.
- Season: Perfect for any season! Especially great for summer BBQs or cozy winter gatherings.
- Occasion: Ideal for game nights, tailgating, potlucks, or family movie nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. **Taste Explosion**—Between the gooey mozzarella, crispy bacon, and tangy BBQ sauce, this recipe ticks off all the flavor boxes. It’s savory, cheesy, and slightly smoky, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
2. **Crowd Favorite**—Few snacks can compete with the universal appeal of bacon and cheese. These mozzarella sticks are guaranteed to disappear fast from any serving tray.
3. **Simple Ingredients**—No need to hunt for exotic spices or specific brands. Everything you need is available in most local grocery stores.
4. **Quick and Fun to Make**—With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat. Plus, it’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time.
5. **Customizable**—Add spicy BBQ sauce for a kick, or use a flavored breadcrumb mix to elevate the taste even further. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredient Deep Dive
Mozzarella Sticks: These provide the creamy, melty center that makes this snack so indulgent. Use high-quality mozzarella string cheese for the best texture and taste. You can also experiment with flavored cheeses for a twist.
Bacon: Thin slices work best for even cooking. Choose regular or smoked bacon depending on your preferred flavor intensity.
Barbecue Sauce: Pick a sauce that complements your flavor profile. Sweet, smoky, or even spicy BBQ sauces all work wonderfully for this recipe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. **Skipping the Chilling Step:** Always refrigerate the breaded sticks before frying. This helps the coating adhere and prevents cheese leaks.
2. **Overcrowding the Pan:** Fry a few sticks at a time to maintain the oil’s temperature and ensure even cooking.
3. **Using Thick Bacon:** Thin bacon cooks more evenly and crisps up faster—essential for this recipe.
4. **Not Using a Thermometer:** Keeping the oil at a consistent 350°F ensures crispy, golden results.
Pro Tips for Perfect BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
1. **Double-Wrap the Bacon:** For extra crispiness and to prevent cheese from leaking during frying, overlap the bacon tightly around the cheese.
2. **Season Your Breadcrumbs:** Enhance the flavor by adding Italian seasoning or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mix.
3. **Use a Toothpick:** Secure the bacon with a toothpick if you find it unravels during frying.
4. **Brush BBQ Sauce After Frying:** Apply barbecue sauce while the sticks are still warm to help the glaze adhere perfectly.
The Recipe
BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Serves: 12 sticks
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Deep frying pan or pot
- Shallow bowls (for breading station)
- Slotted spoon
- Kitchen thermometer
- Toothpicks (optional)
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 12 slices of bacon (thin slices)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Unwrap all mozzarella sticks and set them aside.
- Wrap each cheese stick with bacon, ensuring it’s snugly covered.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls.
- Coat each bacon-wrapped stick in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F.
- Fry 3-4 sticks at a time for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly, then brush generously with barbecue sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Join the Conversation
Did you try this recipe? Share your feedback and photos on social media using #BBQBaconMozzarella, and let us know your favorite twists and variations. We can’t wait to see your creations!
