Mozzarella sticks are great. Bacon is great. So why has no one forced them to marry sooner? This is a three-ingredient miracle: string cheese, bacon, and your favorite marinara. Air fry or bake until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melty. Prepare for addiction.
Ingredients
Makes 8 sticks (serves 2-4).
- 8 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 8 slices thin-cut bacon
- 1 cup marinara sauce, for dipping
- Optional: Everything bagel seasoning or black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cheese
- Remove string cheese from wrappers.
- If using, roll each stick in everything bagel seasoning or pepper.
Step 2: Wrap With Bacon
- Wrap one slice of bacon around each cheese stick in a spiral, slightly overlapping.
- Tuck the end under the bacon to secure. No toothpicks needed.
Step 3: Cook Until Crispy
- Air fryer method: Place sticks in a single layer. Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes until bacon is crispy.
- Oven method: Bake at 400°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes.
- Pan method: Cook in a skillet over medium heat, turning often, for 8-10 minutes.
Step 4: Cool Slightly
- Let rest for 2 minutes. The cheese will be lava-hot.
Step 5: Serve With Marinara
- Warm marinara sauce in a small bowl.
- Dip and pull. Watch the cheese stretch to oblivion.
Summary
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 8 sticks
Difficulty: Easy
Storage Notes
These are best fresh and hot. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. Do not microwave (soggy bacon, exploded cheese). Uncooked bacon-wrapped sticks can be frozen for up to 1 month—cook from frozen, add 2-3 minutes.
