BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients:
8 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half (16 pieces total)
16 slices of thin-cut bacon
½ cup BBQ sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Toothpicks
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese:
Cut each string cheese stick in half to make 16 pieces. For best results, place the cheese pieces in the freezer for about 10–15 minutes before wrapping. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
2. Season the Bacon:
In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and smoked paprika. Using a brush, lightly coat each bacon slice with the sauce mixture. This adds a smoky, tangy flavor to the bacon.
3. Wrap the Cheese:
Take one slice of bacon and tightly wrap it around a cheese stick piece. Secure the ends with a toothpick to keep it in place during baking. Make sure the bacon covers the cheese well to help prevent it from leaking while cooking. If needed, you can use two smaller pieces of bacon for better coverage.
4. Bake in the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or place a wire rack over the tray to let the bacon crisp up evenly. Arrange the wrapped cheese sticks on the tray with the seam side down.
5. Bake Until Crispy:
Bake for about 20–25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. For extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. The cheese inside will be very hot right out of the oven. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side or your favorite dipping sauce like ranch, garlic sauce, or spicy mayo.
Tips:
For a spicy kick, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the BBQ mix.
These can also be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Try different cheese sticks like cheddar or pepper jack for variety.
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