There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of melty mozzarella and crispy bacon. These Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks take two beloved comfort foods and transform them into an irresistible appetizer that disappears from plates within minutes. The contrast between the gooey cheese center and the savory, crisp bacon exterior creates a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist.

Perfect for game days, casual gatherings, or when you simply need to satisfy a serious cheese craving, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between impressive and approachable. While traditional mozzarella sticks require breading and deep-frying, this bacon-wrapped version simplifies the process while delivering even more flavor. The bacon not only adds a smoky richness but also naturally seals in the cheese as it cooks.

Why I Love These

These bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks deliver the perfect balance of gooey cheese and crispy, savory bacon in every bite.

They require just a handful of ingredients but create an appetizer that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

I make these whenever I need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will fight over.

Ingredients

12 sticks string cheese
12 slices bacon
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Marinara sauce, for serving

How To Make

Unwrap string cheese and place on a plate or small baking sheet. Freeze until solid, 4 hours up to overnight.
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a medium baking sheet with foil. Place bacon in an even layer and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake until slightly crisp but still bendable, 12 to 15 minutes.
Remove bacon from oven and let cool slightly. Line a small baking sheet with foil.
Wrap each frozen stick of string cheese with 1 strip of bacon. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake until bacon is crisp and string cheese is just starting to melt, 5 to 7 minutes.
Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutrition

These bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are definitely an indulgent treat, high in protein and fat. They’re perfect for those following ketogenic or low-carb diets as they contain minimal carbohydrates, especially compared to traditional breaded mozzarella sticks.

Each stick provides a good amount of calcium from the cheese, while the bacon adds satisfying protein. To lighten the recipe slightly, you can use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon, or opt for part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks to reduce the overall fat content.

This recipe contains dairy (mozzarella) and pork (bacon), making it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies or who avoid pork products. For a dairy-free version, you could experiment with plant-based mozzarella alternatives, though the melting properties will differ from traditional cheese.

Tips & Variations

You can prepare these up to 24 hours in advance – just wrap and season them, store covered in the refrigerator, then bake right before serving.
For a spicy version, add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or brush the wrapped sticks with a little sriracha or hot honey before baking.
Make these gluten-free by ensuring your seasoning ingredients don’t contain any gluten additives and serving with gluten-free dipping sauces.

Ways To Serve Them

As part of a game day spread alongside buffalo wings, sliders, and veggie platters
With a selection of dipping sauces beyond marinara and ranch – try honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy aioli
Alongside a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the appetizer
Cut into bite-sized pieces and served with toothpicks as elegant cocktail party hors d’oeuvres

Proper Storage

Fridge: Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The bacon won’t stay as crispy, but they’ll still taste delicious.
Freezer: These don’t freeze well after cooking as the texture of both the cheese and bacon will deteriorate. If you want to prepare ahead, freeze them before baking, wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
Reheat: For the best texture, reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and the bacon crisps up again. Avoid microwaving as it will make the bacon soggy and may cause the cheese to become rubbery.

Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients

12 sticks string cheese
12 slices bacon
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Marinara sauce, for serving

Directions

Unwrap string cheese and place on a plate or small baking sheet. Freeze until solid, 4 hours up to overnight.
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a medium baking sheet with foil. Place bacon in an even layer and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Bake until slightly crisp but still bendable, 12 to 15 minutes.
Remove bacon from oven and let cool slightly. Line a small baking sheet with foil.
Wrap each frozen stick of string cheese with 1 strip of bacon. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake until bacon is crisp and string cheese is just starting to melt, 5 to 7 minutes.
Serve hot with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.