Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers (Print-Friendly Version)
Bacon-wrapped cheese with maple glaze, golden-fried to crispy perfection—ideal for shareable party appetizers.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Main Components
01 -
8 thick-cut bacon strips
02 -
8 low-moisture mozzarella cheese sticks
→ Breading and Coating
03 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
04 -
2 large eggs, beaten
05 -
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
→ Frying
06 -
2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
→ Glaze & Serving
07 -
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
08 -
8 wooden toothpicks
09 -
Sriracha-ranch dip, to serve
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Tightly wrap each mozzarella stick with a bacon strip and secure using a wooden toothpick.
02 -
Arrange flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls to form a breading assembly line.
03 -
Dredge each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs.
04 -
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 175°C. Fry the poppers in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and bacon is crisp.
05 -
Transfer fried poppers to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain. Drizzle with maple syrup glaze while still warm.
06 -
Serve immediately with Sriracha-ranch dip.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For optimal texture, select bacon with a high meat-to-fat ratio.
02 -
Chill wrapped poppers for 30 minutes before breading to reduce cheese leakage during frying.
03 -
For a lighter preparation, bake poppers on a wire rack at 200°C for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
04 -
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.