👉BBQ BaconWrappedSticks

BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a mouthwatering snack or appetizer that takes your favorite comfort foods to the next level. The crispy bacon creates a savory, smoky crust around the gooey, melty mozzarella, while the BBQ sauce adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the rich, salty bacon. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual snack, or looking to impress guests, these BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

  • Mozzarella sticks (12-16 sticks depending on size)
  • 12-16 slices of bacon (1 slice per mozzarella stick)
  • BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut each mozzarella stick in half for easier handling and to make them bite-sized.
  3. Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each mozzarella stick half.
  4. Arrange the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are not overcrowded.
  5. Brush each bacon-wrapped stick with a generous amount of BBQ sauce.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown, and the cheese is melted and gooey.
  7. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then store the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: To freeze, arrange the baked mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips:

  • Oven: For the best texture, reheat the mozzarella sticks in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy again and the cheese is hot.
  • Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, microwave the mozzarella sticks for 30-60 seconds, but note that the bacon may lose its crispiness.
  • Air fryer: For a quick and crispy reheat, place the mozzarella sticks in an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

20 FAQs About BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

  1. Can I use regular mozzarella cheese instead of mozzarella sticks?
    • Yes, you can cut a block of mozzarella into sticks, but mozzarella sticks are more convenient and hold their shape better when baked.
  2. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
    • Yes, turkey bacon can be used for a leaner alternative, though it may not get as crispy as pork bacon.
  3. Can I make these BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare them in advance, refrigerate, and bake them when ready to serve.
  4. How do I keep the bacon from shrinking too much while baking?
    • Use thick-cut bacon, and avoid over-wrapping it tightly around the mozzarella to allow it to cook more evenly.
  5. Can I fry these mozzarella sticks instead of baking them?
    • Yes, you can fry them in hot oil (about 350°F) for 2-4 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
  6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    • While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a different flavor.
  7. Can I make these in an air fryer?
    • Yes, place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F for 5-7 minutes for a crispy result.
  8. Can I freeze the uncooked bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks?
    • Yes, you can freeze the uncooked sticks on a baking sheet and store them in a freezer bag until you’re ready to bake them.
  9. Do I need to thaw frozen mozzarella sticks before baking?
    • No, you can bake them straight from frozen. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
  10. Can I skip the BBQ sauce?
  • Yes, you can skip the BBQ sauce if you prefer, or replace it with ranch dressing, hot sauce, or another dip of your choice.
  1. Can I add spices to the BBQ sauce?
  • Yes, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, or chili flakes to the BBQ sauce for an extra flavor kick.
  1. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out while baking?
  • Ensure the bacon is tightly wrapped around the mozzarella and bake at the recommended temperature to allow the cheese to melt without oozing out.
  1. Can I make these without bacon?
  • Yes, you can use prosciutto, ham, or even a vegetarian substitute like tempeh for a bacon alternative.
  1. How do I know when the mozzarella sticks are done?
  • The bacon should be golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be fully melted.
  1. What can I serve these with?
  • These mozzarella sticks pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
  1. What’s the best way to cut mozzarella sticks for this recipe?
  • If using a block of mozzarella, simply cut the block into thick, even strips about 3-4 inches long.
  1. Can I make these BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks in a toaster oven?
  • Yes, a toaster oven works well for this recipe. Just make sure to check on the sticks frequently to avoid burning the bacon.
  1. Can I use flavored BBQ sauce?
  • Yes, you can experiment with different flavored BBQ sauces like honey mustard, spicy, or smoky BBQ sauce.
  1. Can I serve these cold?
  • While they are best enjoyed hot, you can serve them cold if you prefer or need to store them for later.
  1. Can I add veggies to the filling?
  • It’s not typical for this recipe, but if you’d like, you could add small amounts of finely chopped peppers or onions inside the mozzarella stick before wrapping it in bacon.

20 Best Tips to Make BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

  1. Use thick-cut bacon for the best crispiness and to ensure it holds up during baking.
  2. Preheat your oven to ensure even cooking from the start.
  3. Wrap the bacon tightly around the mozzarella sticks to ensure a crispy finish.
  4. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes before wrapping them to help prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during baking.
  5. Brush with BBQ sauce halfway through cooking for an even coating and to prevent burning.
  6. Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
  7. Ensure the mozzarella sticks are fully covered with bacon to keep the cheese inside while cooking.
  8. For extra crispiness, broil the sticks for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—give the mozzarella sticks space to crisp up evenly.
  10. Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors to find your favorite combination.
  11. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon ends if necessary.
  12. Ensure your cheese is fully frozen before baking for the best texture.
  13. Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the bacon is crispy.
  14. For a fun twist, stuff the mozzarella sticks with herbs like basil or oregano before wrapping them in bacon.
  15. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce for a unique flavor.
  16. Use a cooling rack on top of your baking sheet to allow air circulation for even crisping.
  17. Double wrap the bacon if you like a thicker crust around the mozzarella stick.
  18. Experiment with different dipping sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo, or even a tangy honey mustard.
  19. Check the bacon often to make sure it crisps up without burning.
  20. For a smokier flavor, try using a chipotle BBQ sauce or add smoked paprika to your homemade sauce.

With these tips, you’ll make the perfect BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks every time

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