BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect appetizer for any gathering! The crispy bacon adds a savory touch, while the mozzarella cheese inside is melted to perfection. Here’s how you can make this delicious treat:

BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients:

• 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks (halved, so you have 16 pieces)
• 16 slices of thin-cut bacon
• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Toothpicks (for securing the bacon)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.

2. Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks:

   • Take a mozzarella string cheese stick (halved) and wrap each piece tightly with a slice of bacon. You should have 16 pieces of cheese wrapped in bacon.
   • Secure each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick with a toothpick to hold it together.

3. Season the Bacon:

   • In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with the smoked paprika to combine well.
   • Brush the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks with the BBQ sauce mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.

4. Bake the Mozzarella Sticks:

   • Arrange the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one to allow for even cooking.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese inside is melted. You can also broil them for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end to crisp up the bacon even more, but be careful not to burn the bacon.

5. Serve:

   • Remove from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Remove the toothpicks and serve the BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks warm with extra BBQ sauce for dipping.

Tips:

• Cheese Choices: You can also use regular mozzarella sticks if you prefer, but string cheese works perfectly for easy wrapping.
• For Extra Flavor: Add a little garlic powder or onion powder to the BBQ sauce mixture for more flavor.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce.

These BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are gooey, savory, and packed with flavor. They make an irresistible appetizer for any party or casual meal. Enjoy! 🧀🥓