BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks – Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Smoky
Few appetizers make people’s eyes light up like BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks. The combination of gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and tangy barbecue glaze is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a game day party 🏈, a family movie night 🎬, or a casual summer barbecue 🍖, this recipe will have your guests begging for more.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down every ingredient, share expert tips from top chefs like Gordon Ramsay and Ree Drummond, cover health and safety considerations, and even provide a complete nutrition chart. By the end, you’ll be a pro at making these cheesy, smoky bites of heaven.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. The salty, smoky bacon balances beautifully with the creamy, melted mozzarella, while the BBQ sauce adds that irresistible sweet-and-tangy kick. By using string cheese and thin-cut bacon, we achieve a crispy exterior and a perfectly melted interior without overcooking the cheese.
Ingredients – What You’ll Need & Why
🧀 Mozzarella Cheese Sticks (8 pieces)
String cheese is the ideal choice because it’s firm when cold, melts evenly, and maintains its shape during cooking. Using shredded mozzarella would cause the cheese to melt too quickly and leak out.
🥓 Bacon Slices (8 thin-cut)
Thin-cut bacon is preferred because it crisps faster without overcooking the cheese. Thick-cut bacon can result in undercooked bacon or overmelted cheese.
🍯 BBQ Sauce (½ cup)
The tangy sweetness complements the saltiness of the bacon. Use your favorite brand or make a homemade sauce for a more personal touch.
🧂 Seasonings (optional)
- Garlic powder – for depth
- Smoked paprika – for extra smokiness
- Black pepper – for a mild kick
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Freeze the Cheese
Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
Step 2 – Wrap with Bacon
Take one slice of thin-cut bacon and wrap it tightly around each frozen cheese stick, overlapping slightly so the cheese is completely enclosed.
Step 3 – Secure & Season
Use toothpicks to secure the bacon in place. Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and pepper if desired.
Step 4 – Grill or Air-Fry
- Grill: Preheat to medium heat. Grill each bacon-wrapped stick for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy.
- Air-Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5 – Glaze with BBQ Sauce
Brush generously with BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking for a sticky, flavorful finish.
Chef Tips from the Experts
- Gordon Ramsay: “Don’t rush the bacon. Let it crisp slowly to develop that deep smoky flavor without burning.”
- Ree Drummond: “Make these ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Just pop them in the oven or air fryer right before guests arrive.”
- Ina Garten: “Quality ingredients make the difference—choose a naturally smoked bacon and a rich, tangy BBQ sauce.”
Health & Safety Considerations
- Always ensure bacon is cooked to at least 145°F (63°C) to eliminate bacteria.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
- Handle raw bacon with care to prevent cross-contamination.
- If deep-frying, use a splatter guard to prevent burns.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
| Ingredient | Serving Size | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella Cheese Stick | 1 stick (28g) | 80 | 6 | 6 | 1 |
| Bacon Slice (thin-cut) | 1 slice (12g) | 42 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| BBQ Sauce | 1 tbsp (17g) | 30 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| Total per stick | 1 bacon-wrapped stick | 152 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
Serving Suggestions
Pair with fresh veggie sticks 🥕, a tangy coleslaw 🥬, or crispy sweet potato fries 🍟 for a balanced appetizer platter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake these instead of grilling? Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway.
- Can I use turkey bacon? Yes, but it will cook faster, so reduce cooking time.
- How do I prevent the cheese from leaking? Freezing the sticks before cooking helps.
- Can I make them spicy? Add chili flakes or use spicy BBQ sauce.
- How long can they be stored? Refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Do I need to pre-cook the bacon? No, it cooks with the cheese during the process.
- Can I use cheddar cheese sticks? Yes, but they melt faster than mozzarella.
- Is this gluten-free? Yes, if your BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
- Can I air-fry them from frozen? Yes, add 2–3 extra minutes to cooking time.
- What’s the best BBQ sauce? A smoky, slightly sweet sauce pairs best.
Final Thoughts
BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the definition of indulgent comfort food. They’re easy to prepare, universally loved, and perfect for any gathering. With the tips and tricks shared here, you can confidently whip up a batch that will disappear faster than you can say “cheese.” 🧀🥓🔥
