Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Triple Threat : Combines gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and bold BBQ flavors.
- Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward prep.
- Crowd-Pleasing : A guaranteed hit at gatherings or family dinners.
- Customizable : Adjust spice levels or swap sauces for variety.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Prep ahead and bake when ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Makes 12–16 sticks
- 12–16 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or block mozzarella cut into sticks)
- 12–16 slices of bacon , halved crosswise
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs , beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for dipping)
- Optional : Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Coating Station
- Set up three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1 : Flour
- Bowl 2 : Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3 : Panko mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper
Step 2: Coat the Mozzarella
- Roll each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
- Wrap each breaded mozzarella stick with a half-slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Add BBQ Sauce
- Lightly brush the bacon-wrapped sticks with BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) .
- Bake for 15–20 minutes , flipping halfway, until bacon is crispy and cheese is melty.
Step 6: Serve
- Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with extra BBQ sauce, ranch, or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
