Ingredients:
8 mozzarella sticks
8 slices of thick-cut bacon
½ cup BBQ sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking oil spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wrap each mozzarella stick tightly with a slice of bacon, ensuring full coverage. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
3. In a small bowl, mix BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Brush a light layer over each bacon-wrapped stick.
4. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning in the third.
5. Roll each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat in the seasoned panko mixture.
6. Place the coated sticks on the baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and brush with additional BBQ sauce before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Enjoy!
Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Sticks Recipe
