These Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers are little bites of happiness! They combine gooey mozzarella and crunchy bacon, making them super tasty and fun to eat.
Honestly, what’s not to love? I mean, cheese and bacon in one popper—it’s a match made in snack heaven! I usually serve them hot with a side of dipping sauce for extra yumminess!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
String Mozzarella Cheese: You can use string cheese or cut larger blocks of mozzarella into sticks. For lower-fat options, try part-skim mozzarella, but keep in mind it might not melt as perfectly. Make sure your cheese is firm enough to handle frying.
Bacon: Regular sliced bacon gives that crispy goodness, but turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can be used for lighter or vegan options. If using turkey bacon, it may need extra cooking time to crisp up properly.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a delightful crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes. For added flavor, try seasoned breadcrumbs.
Seasonings: The garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth to the dish. You could swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or cayenne pepper if you like heat. Feel free to experiment with Italian seasoning or even ranch seasoning for a twist!
How Do I Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispiness, follow this key step: freezing the assembled poppers before cooking really helps. This sets the cheese and ensures the bacon cooks evenly with a golden finish.
- After breading, don’t skip the chilling step! Freezing for at least an hour helps solidify the cheese, keeping it from oozing out during cooking.
- When baking, make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F so the bacon can crisp without overcooking the cheese.
- If frying, do it in batches and avoid crowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of crisping. Using a wire rack in the oven can help let air circulate around the poppers, leading to an even crispier finish.
Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 12 sticks string mozzarella cheese (about 3 inches long)
- 12 slices bacon, halved crosswise
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of active prep time, plus 1 hour to chill your poppers. If you bake them, you’ll need another 15-20 minutes, making the total time around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella:
First, cut each string cheese stick into approximately 3-inch pieces. This is the star of the dish, so set them aside in a safe spot.
2. Wrap the Cheese Sticks:
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each mozzarella stick, spiraling down to cover as much of the cheese as you can without overlapping too much. This will give you that amazing bacon flavor all around!
3. Set Up the Breading Stations:
Now, it’s time to get your setup ready for breading:
- In a shallow bowl, add the flour.
- In another bowl, crack the eggs and add water, then beat the mixture until it’s nice and combined.
- In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bread the Poppers:
Take each bacon-wrapped stick and:
- Dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well-coated.
- Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing a little to help the crumbs stick.
5. Chill the Poppers:
Place your breaded poppers on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for at least 1 hour. This will help keep the cheese from leaking out while cooking.
6. Cook the Poppers:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet for even cooking. Bake the frozen poppers for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the coating is golden brown. If you prefer, air-fry or deep-fry them at 400°F until they’re crispy and golden!
7. Serve Up the Goodness:
Once they’re cooked, let the poppers cool slightly on a plate. You can garnish with some fresh parsley if you like, and serve them hot with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor!
Enjoy each bite filled with crispy bacon, crunchy coating, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for parties or as a delightful snack!
Can I Use Reduced-Fat Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use reduced-fat cheese, but keep in mind that it may not melt as well as full-fat cheese. If you do use it, ensure the cheese is firm enough to avoid excessive leaking while cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Poppers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again.
Can I Make These Poppers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the poppers up to the chilling step and freeze them for up to 2 months. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Other Dipping Sauces Pair Well?
Besides marinara, these poppers also go great with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick! Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
