Description
A budget-friendly, high-protein snack that stretches frozen mozzarella sticks with bacon and extra cheese for a richer, crunchier, and more satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 frozen mozzarella sticks
- 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup neutral oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Instructions
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with whisked eggs, one with Panko mixed with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and one for assembly.
- Cut bacon slices in half crosswise to create strips long enough to wrap around the mozzarella sticks.
- Wrap a piece of bacon around each frozen mozzarella stick, covering about 75% of the stick and overlapping the ends slightly.
- Double dredge the bacon-wrapped sticks: dip in egg wash, roll in Panko mixture, dip back in egg wash, and roll in Panko again to create a thick protective shell.
- Place coated sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 10 minutes to re-solidify the cheese.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 2-3 sticks at a time in hot oil for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until bacon is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove sticks from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with marinara sauce.
Notes
Ensure sticks are frozen for at least 10 minutes before frying to prevent cheese leakage. If oil temperature drops below 325°F, sticks may absorb too much oil. If above 375°F, bacon may burn. For a healthier option, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2 days and reheated in an air fryer or toaster oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 8
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, bacon, budget recipe, game day food, appetizer, frozen food hack, easy snack, high protein