These Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers are a fun and tasty treat! They are filled with gooey mozzarella and wrapped in crispy bacon. One bite and you will be hooked!
They are perfect for parties or snacking while binge-watching your favorite show. I often find myself making an extra batch—just in case! 🥓🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: These are the star of the poppers! If you can’t find cheese sticks, go for a block of mozzarella and cut it into similar sized pieces. Just make sure to freeze them for about 30 minutes before wrapping to help them hold their shape.
Bacon: Classic bacon adds delicious flavor and crispiness. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon works well, but it may not get as crispy. You could also try prosciutto for a different taste altogether!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a light, crispy coating. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but they won’t be as crunchy. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a fun twist!
Seasonings: The smoked paprika adds depth of flavor. Consider trying Italian seasoning or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little heat. Feel free to mix and match based on your preference!
How Do I Ensure My Poppers Are Super Crispy?
Getting that perfect crunch is all about how you prepare your poppers. Here are my tips:
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Double coat your poppers! Rolling them in flour, dipping in egg, then rolling in panko twice helps form a thicker crust.
- For even better results, bake them on a wire rack. This way, hot air circulates around, helping them crisp up all over.
- Keep an eye on them while baking to avoid burning. Ovens can vary, so check around the 15-minute mark.
Let them cool a bit after baking; this helps the cheese inside settle and reduces the risk of burns. Enjoy your popping adventure!
Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese), cut in half
- 12 slices of bacon
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Ranch or marinara sauce (for dipping)
- Toothpicks (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, with an additional 15-20 minutes of baking time. In total, you can have these delicious poppers ready in about 45 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer for your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot for crispy poppers! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to help the bacon crisp up evenly.
2. Wrap the Cheese:
Take each mozzarella stick half and wrap a slice of bacon around it completely. If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick to ensure it stays wrapped while cooking. Bacon loves to wiggle, so this helps a lot!
3. Prepare the Coatings:
Set up three shallow bowls for the coatings. In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coat the Poppers:
Take each bacon-wrapped cheese stick and roll it in the flour, coating all sides lightly. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the popper in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs stick well.
5. Double Coating for Extra Crispiness:
If you want an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb rolling once more. This will give you a crunch that’s hard to resist!
6. Bake the Poppers:
Now, place the coated bacon-wrapped cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is nicely crisp and golden, and the mozzarella is melted inside. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes (the cheese will be very hot!). If you like, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley for a lovely touch. Serve warm with ranch or marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy this crunchy, cheesy treat!
These Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers are sure to be a hit at any occasion. Enjoy every gooey, crispy bite!
Can I Use Regular Bacon Instead of Thin-Sliced?
Yes, you can use regular bacon, but keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to cook thoroughly and become crispy. If you use thicker bacon, consider cutting it in half lengthwise to help it cook evenly around the mozzarella.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and rewarm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Can I Freeze the Poppers Before Baking?
Absolutely! You can prepare the poppers and freeze them before baking. Just arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen for an additional 5-10 minutes when you’re ready to enjoy them!
What Dipping Sauces Work Best?
These poppers pair wonderfully with ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping. You could also try buffalo sauce or a spicy aioli for a kick! Get creative and use whatever your taste buds crave!
