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Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Chilled mozzarella string cheese is wrapped in thin-cut bacon and baked until crisp, then served with warm marinara or pizza sauce. This easy appetizer makes 12 bacon-wrapped cheese sticks.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 sticks Mozzarella string-cheese sticks, chilled or frozen
  • 12 slices Thin-cut bacon slices
For Serving
  • 1 cup Marinara or pizza sauce, warmed
Equipment
  • As needed Toothpicks, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes. They should feel firm but do not need to be frozen completely solid.
  2. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top if available.
  3. Wrap one thin-cut bacon slice tightly around each mozzarella stick, slightly overlapping the bacon as you go. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed.
  4. Arrange the wrapped sticks seam-side down on the rack, leaving space between them. If you are using the optional chilling tip, refrigerate the wrapped sticks for another 10–15 minutes before baking.
  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the bacon is browned and crisp. Watch closely during the final minutes because the cheese can begin leaking rapidly once the bacon is fully browned.
  6. Let the mozzarella sticks rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Remove any toothpicks and serve with 1 cup of warm marinara or pizza sauce.

Notes

Use thin-cut bacon because it wraps easily and cooks more quickly than thick-cut bacon. A wire rack lets rendered bacon fat drain and helps the underside crisp; if baking directly on foil or parchment, turn the sticks halfway through. Do not overbake once the bacon is crisp, and serve promptly after the brief resting period.