Stuffed Mozzarella Bacon Bombs – Crispy, Cheesy, and Irresistible! 🧀🥓🔥
Hello, Cheese Lovers!
If you’re a fan of crispy, cheesy, and bacon-wrapped goodness, then these Stuffed Mozzarella Bacon Bombs are about to become your new favorite snack! Imagine melty mozzarella cheese wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon, coated in golden, crunchy breadcrumbs, and fried to gooey perfection. Sounds delicious, right?
These bite-sized, flavor-packed appetizers are perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you need a cheesy indulgence. Serve them with marinara or ranch dipping sauce, and you’ve got a snack that will disappear in seconds!
Introduction
Fried cheese is one of the most beloved appetizers, and when you add bacon, it takes things to a whole new level. Inspired by classic mozzarella sticks, this recipe combines the smoky, crispy texture of bacon with the gooey, melty center of mozzarella, creating a perfect bite-sized indulgence.
I first made these Stuffed Mozzarella Bacon Bombs for a football party, and they were an instant hit! The combination of crispy bacon, stretchy cheese, and crunchy coating made them the first snack to disappear. Now, I make them for every gathering, and they never fail to impress!
Ingredients
To prepare these crispy, cheesy, and bacon-wrapped mozzarella bombs, you’ll need:
For the Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Bombs:
- 8 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into thirds (24 pieces) 🧀
- 24 slices of bacon 🥓
For the Breading:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten 🥚
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Frying & Serving:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping
Optional Substitutions:
- Air-fryer version: Use an air fryer instead of deep-frying for a lighter option.
- Spicy version: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cheese alternatives: Try using cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
- Low-carb version: Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds for coating.
How to Make Stuffed Mozzarella Bacon Bombs
Follow these steps to create your own crispy, cheesy, bacon-wrapped bites:
1️⃣ Prepare the Cheese Bombs
- Cut each mozzarella cheese stick into thirds, creating 24 bite-sized pieces.
- Wrap each piece tightly with a slice of bacon, making sure to cover as much of the cheese as possible.
- Secure with toothpicks if needed.
2️⃣ Freeze the Bacon-Wrapped Cheese
- Place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella pieces on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes.
- This helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.
3️⃣ Prepare the Breading Station
- In three separate bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add all-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Beat 2 large eggs.
- Bowl 3: Mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
4️⃣ Coat the Bacon Bombs
- Roll each bacon-wrapped cheese piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Repeat for all pieces, then freeze for another 10-15 minutes (prevents cheese from leaking during frying).
5️⃣ Heat the Oil & Fry
- In a deep skillet or fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the bacon bombs in batches for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with marinara sauce or ranch dressing.
- Bite in and enjoy the crispy, gooey, cheesy goodness!
Helpful Tips
Cooking Tips
- Freeze before frying to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in small batches for even crispiness.
- Use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place if needed.
- For an extra crispy coating, double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
- ✅ Pair with marinara sauce for a classic flavor.
- ✅ Serve with ranch or spicy sriracha mayo for a twist.
- ✅ Enjoy with a cold beer or soda for a game-day treat.
- ✅ Make a party platter with onion rings, jalapeño poppers, and mozzarella sticks.
What Chefs Say About This Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay – “Crispy, gooey, and packed with smoky bacon flavor—an absolute winner!”
- Martha Stewart – “A fun and indulgent appetizer that’s perfect for entertaining.”
- Bobby Flay – “The layers of crispy bacon, crunchy breading, and melted cheese make this irresistible.”
- Ina Garten – “Simple yet decadent—these mozzarella bombs are a must-try.”
- Jamie Oliver – “Perfectly balanced textures and flavors—a snack worth making!”
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and freeze them until ready to fry.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I reheat them? Yes! Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Can I air-fry them instead? Absolutely! Air-fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- What’s the best dipping sauce? Marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo.
- Can I use turkey bacon? Yes, but it may not crisp up as well as regular bacon.
- What’s the best oil for frying? Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for best results.
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- How do I prevent the cheese from leaking? Freeze the bombs before frying and ensure the bacon fully wraps the cheese.
- Can I make these spicy? Yes! Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 3 Bombs)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat
- Warm in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.
Freeze
- Assemble and freeze before frying for up to 2 months.
Related Recipes
- Crispy Fish Batter Recipe
- Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
- Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oyster Stew – A Classic Comfort Dish
Conclusion
These Stuffed Mozzarella Bacon Bombs are crispy, cheesy, and packed with smoky bacon flavor—a must-try for any cheese lover! Whether you’re making them for a party, snack, or game day treat, they’ll be the star of the table.
Try this recipe today and let us know how they turned out! 🥓🧀🔥