Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Introduction

Craving a show-stopping appetizer that effortlessly brings flavor and fun to the table? Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks deliver a swoon-worthy combo of gooey, melty cheese wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon. Perfect for game days, parties, or a next-level snack, these irresistible bites are guaranteed to disappear fast—no one can resist that cheesy, savory pull!

Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Goodness

This recipe transforms everyday mozzarella sticks into the ultimate comfort food. The marriage of crisp bacon and stretchy mozzarella is pure flavor bliss. Whether baked or air-fried, you’ll get a golden exterior and a satisfyingly melty center in every bite—no deep fryer required. Plus, with minimal prep and a short ingredient list, anyone can whip these up with ease for any occasion.

Simple Ingredient Prep

Start by using a sharp knife and a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for safe, clean prep. Slice a block of mozzarella into sticks or opt for pre-formed string cheese. Next, evenly wrap each cheese stick with a slice of bacon, overlapping slightly to cover the cheese completely and prevent leaks during cooking.

A few passes over a digital scale like the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display, Black and Stainless Steel can help you portion cheese sticks if slicing from a block, ensuring each piece is the perfect handheld size. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed.

Air Fryer or Oven: The Easy, Crisp Way

For lightning-fast, fuss-free results, arrange your bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in the basket of a COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey. The air fryer produces crispy bacon and perfectly gooey cheese in record time, while cleanup is a breeze—especially if you line the basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet. If using the oven, a baking sheet lined with parchment is equally effective.

For either method, chilling your wrapped sticks in the freezer for 15–20 minutes before cooking helps avoid cheese blowouts and ensures tidy, picture-perfect snacks.

Serve and Enjoy with Dipping Sauces

Serve these bacon-wrapped wonders hot off the air fryer or out of the oven. Offer sides of marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for dipping—each bite brings stretchy cheese, crispy bacon, and a blast of pure indulgence. For parties, keep them warm in a stylish serving container or make-ahead for easy reheating in the air fryer.

Transport leftovers or bring them to a picnic in a leak-resistant container like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep everything fresh.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 12 sticks—plenty for sharing, though you might want to double the batch! Each stick contains approximately 130–170 calories, depending on the size of the cheese and bacon used. Enjoy as an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet.

Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks (Recap)

With minimal ingredients and maximum comfort, Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a guaranteed hit. Smoky bacon and melty cheese unite for a golden, oozy snack that’s crowd-pleasing and easy to make, whether you use the oven or air fryer!

Instructions

1. Slice mozzarella into even sticks using a bamboo cutting board. Pat cheese dry if needed to help bacon adhere.
2. Wrap each stick tightly with bacon, securely overlapping and tucking the bacon’s ends underneath or fixing with toothpicks.
3. Arrange wrapped sticks on a parchment-lined tray. Freeze for 15–20 minutes for best results.
4. Air Fryer: Place in the basket of a COSORI air fryer lined with parchment paper. Cook at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, turning once, until bacon is crispy and cheese is melty.
   Oven: Bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F for 16–20 minutes, flipping once until bacon is crisp.
5. Let cool for 2–3 minutes, remove toothpicks, and garnish with optional parsley. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
6. Store any leftovers in food storage containers and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes for best results.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–20 minutes
Total Time: 35–45 minutes