BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a smoky, cheesy, and utterly delicious appetizer that combines crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and a sweet, tangy BBQ glaze. Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun snack, these bite-sized treats are easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Cheesy – The bacon crisps up beautifully while the mozzarella turns gooey and melty.
Packed with Flavor – The combination of smoked paprika and BBQ sauce adds a smoky-sweet kick.
Simple Ingredients – Requires just a few pantry staples for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for game nights, parties, or as a fun appetizer.

Ingredients

8 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
16 slices of thin-cut bacon
½ cup BBQ sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Toothpicks

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Cut the Cheese Sticks – Slice each mozzarella stick in half, creating 16 smaller pieces.

Wrap with Bacon

Wrap the Cheese – Tightly wrap each piece of mozzarella with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick.
Season – Sprinkle smoked paprika over the bacon-wrapped sticks for extra flavor.

Bake the Mozzarella Sticks

Arrange on Baking Sheet – Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks on the lined baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
Bake – Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.

Glaze with BBQ Sauce

Brush with BBQ Sauce – In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the bacon with BBQ sauce and return to the oven until caramelized.
Cool Slightly & Serve – Let cool for a few minutes before serving (the cheese will be very hot).

Servings and Timing

Yield – 16 pieces
Preparation Time – 10 minutes
Cooking Time – 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce.
Honey Glaze – Mix BBQ sauce with honey for a sweeter touch.
Different Cheese – Try cheddar or pepper jack for variety.
Grilled Version – Cook on a grill over indirect heat for a smoky finish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Freeze before baking, then bake straight from frozen (adding a few extra minutes).
Reheating – Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

How do I keep the cheese from melting out?

Wrap the bacon tightly around the cheese and bake at a high temperature to crisp the bacon quickly.

Can I air-fry these?

Yes! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite brand—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy, it all works well.

Can I use thick-cut bacon?

Thin-cut bacon works best to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Do I need to freeze the cheese before baking?

It’s optional, but freezing for 10-15 minutes can help prevent excessive melting.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble them in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What dips go well with these?

Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or extra BBQ sauce make great dipping options.

Can I grill these instead of baking?

Yes! Grill over medium heat, turning frequently, until the bacon is crispy.

How do I prevent sticking?

Use parchment paper or a greased baking rack to keep them from sticking to the pan.

Can I make these without BBQ sauce?

Yes! Try using honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, or a spicy glaze instead.

Conclusion

These BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer, blending crispy, smoky bacon with gooey, melty cheese. Whether baked or grilled, they’re a fun and easy snack that will be a hit at any gathering. Try them today and enjoy a flavor-packed treat!

BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: 16 pieces 1x

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Description

These BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate cheesy, smoky, and crispy appetizer! Melty mozzarella is wrapped in crispy bacon, brushed with tangy BBQ sauce, and seasoned with smoked paprika for an irresistible flavor. Perfect for game nights, parties, or any time you need a quick and delicious snack!

Ingredients

Units Scale

8 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
16 slices of thin-cut bacon
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Toothpicks

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Wrap the Cheese Sticks:
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half, making 16 smaller sticks.
- Wrap each piece tightly with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
Season & Brush with BBQ Sauce:
- Sprinkle the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks with smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Brush each piece with BBQ sauce, coating evenly.
Bake the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is just starting to melt.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Let them cool slightly before serving (the cheese will be hot!).
- Serve with extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
Use a spicy BBQ sauce for a kick or a honey BBQ sauce for a sweeter twist.
Try using pepper jack cheese for a spicy alternative.
If air-frying, cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking