Bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks combine crisp bacon and low-moisture mozzarella for a simple, two-ingredient snack suitable for game time and casual gatherings. The recipe uses mozzarella string cheese and thinly cut bacon wrapped around each stick, secured with toothpicks if needed, then pan-fried in hot oil or crisped in an air fryer for less mess. Low-moisture mozzarella and thin bacon yield optimal frying texture and coverage. Plant-based cheeses and bacons lack the milk fats and animal proteins needed to replicate the same texture. Flavor variations include cheddar sticks and peppered bacon, and swapping cheeses or bacon styles customizes the snack.
Rather than fuss with dredging, breading, and coating, you can prepare these simple sticks by just wrapping the bacon around the cheese and tossing them in a pan with hot oil. It's also extra helpful to use toothpicks to adhere the bacon wrapping to your cheese to ensure full coverage. These can also be crisped up in the air fryer for less mess and a more hands-free approach.
Start with low-moisture mozzarella string cheese sticks and your preferred brand of thinly cut bacon. This will allow for optimal frying and coverage for your cheese sticks. If you're using plant-based cheese sticks and bacon, the lack of milk fats and animal proteins in these ingredients will not yield the same texture as their counterparts. With that said, you can still get creative with your choice of cheese, bacon, and other ingredients. For a zingier snack, try cheddar cheese sticks and peppered bacon instead.
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