BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect combination of crispy bacon, gooey melted cheese, and a tangy BBQ glaze. These easy-to-make appetizers are ideal for parties, game days, or a fun twist on a classic snack. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they are sure to be a crowd favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Cheesy – Bacon crisps up perfectly while the mozzarella melts inside.
• Bold BBQ Flavor – The smoked paprika and BBQ sauce add a delicious sweet and smoky taste.
• Easy to Make – With only a few ingredients and simple steps, these are quick to prepare.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – A great appetizer for gatherings, game nights, or casual snacking.

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

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

Wrap with Bacon

3. Wrap the Cheese – Tightly wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon, ensuring full coverage to prevent cheese from melting out. Secure the ends with a toothpick.
4. Season – Sprinkle smoked paprika over the bacon-wrapped sticks for extra flavor.

Bake the Mozzarella Sticks

5. Arrange on Baking Sheet – Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
6. Bake – Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.

Glaze with BBQ Sauce

7. Brush with BBQ Sauce – In the last 5 minutes of baking, brush the bacon-wrapped sticks with BBQ sauce and return to the oven until caramelized.
8. Cool & Serve – Remove from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving (cheese will be very hot).

Servings and Timing

• Yield – 16 pieces
• Preparation Time – 10 minutes
• Cooking Time – 15-18 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or use spicy BBQ sauce.
• Different Cheeses – Try cheddar or pepper jack for a unique twist.
• Grilled Version – Cook on a grill over indirect heat for a smoky finish.
• Honey BBQ – Mix BBQ sauce with honey for a sweeter glaze.

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 prevent the cheese from melting out?

Make sure the bacon fully covers 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—whether sweet, smoky, or spicy, they all work 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: 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 pieces 1x

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Description

These BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a smoky, cheesy, and crispy appetizer that will be the star of any gathering! Melty mozzarella is wrapped in crispy bacon, brushed with tangy BBQ sauce, and baked to perfection. Perfect for game nights, parties, or an indulgent snack!

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 to hold it in place.

• 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

• Crispier Option: Broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
• Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Flavor Variations: Use spicy BBQ sauce for heat or honey BBQ for sweetness.
• Cheese Substitutions: Try pepper jack or cheddar sticks for variety.

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