Bacon Mozzarella Cheese Sticks

Cheesy bacon mozzarella sticks bring a whole new level of comfort to snacking or party plates. When mozzarella meets sizzling bacon and a kiss of beef tallow in the skillet, the result is creamy, gooey centers with irresistibly crispy, golden shells. These are always a win whether you need a simple but impressive appetizer, or a hearty snack with real crowd appeal.

I first made these for a game night years ago and ever since they have become the most requested treat. They disappear faster than anything else on the table every time.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese sticks: freeze them overnight for the best texture look for low moisture mozzarella so it melts slowly and stays stretchy
• Thick cut bacon: holds its structure better as it crisps up and has more flavor aim for bacon with visible streaks of fat for best results
• Beef tallow: delivers big savory flavor and ensures a crispy fry plus it has a high smoke point which is great for stove top cooking

Instructions

Prep the Cheese and Bacon:

Freeze your mozzarella cheese sticks at least eight hours or overnight so they keep their shape under heat. Let your bacon slices sit at room temperature for twenty minutes so they are more pliable and less likely to tear while wrapping.

Wrap the Cheese Sticks:

Take one slice of softened bacon and spiral it tightly around a frozen cheese stick. Make sure to overlap the bacon edge to edge so the cheese is fully covered. If needed secure the bacon at both ends with toothpicks for an extra snug fit.

Heat the Tallow:

Add the beef tallow to a heavy skillet like cast iron. Heat over medium high until the tallow is melted and reaches about three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. This gives you the best sizzle for getting bacon crispy without burning.

Cook the Sticks:

Place your wrapped mozzarella sticks carefully into the hot tallow. Cook in batches if your skillet is crowded. Rotate each stick every minute or so using tongs to evenly brown all sides. This usually takes three or four minutes until bacon is crisp and golden all over.

Drain and Rest:

Once cooked transfer the sticks to a paper towel lined plate. Let them cool for about a minute or two before serving. This sets the cheese slightly but it will still be deliciously gooey in the middle.

Watching the bacon bubble up in the skillet always makes my kitchen smell like a classic diner. I love using thick cut bacon from the butcher for an extra hearty result. Once my niece giggled after her cheesy pull went halfway across the plate she still asks for these every visit.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store leftover bacon mozzarella sticks in an airtight container once fully cooled. They keep well in the fridge for up to three days. For best texture when reheating pop them in a toaster oven or under the broiler on low for a few minutes until sizzling again. Microwaving works in a pinch but the bacon will lose its crisp.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you cannot find beef tallow use avocado oil or even ghee as a substitute since both have high smoke points. Turkey bacon can work but be sure to watch closely since it crisps and dries out faster. Try your favorite cheese stick flavor but stick to varieties low in moisture for best results.

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Pile high on a platter with a side of spicy marinara or ranch dipping sauce. Serve as a side for steak nights or game day spreads. They also make a perfect after school snack with fresh cut veggies to balance all that savory goodness.

Let the fried sticks rest a bit to prevent burns from molten cheese. Never skip resting after cooking or you may end up with cheese burns on your tongue which I have learned is never worth it.

Recipe Q&A

→ Why freeze the mozzarella sticks before cooking?

Freezing helps maintain their shape and prevents cheese from melting too quickly while the bacon crisps.

→ What type of bacon works best?

Standard-cut bacon is ideal—it wraps easily and crisps up without overcooking the cheese.

→ Can I use oil instead of beef tallow?

Yes, neutral oils such as canola or vegetable oil can be used, but beef tallow adds extra flavor.

→ How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling?

Wrap tightly and secure the ends with toothpicks. Remove toothpicks before serving.

→ How do I know when they are done?

The bacon should be golden and crisp, and the cheese softened but not oozing out.