These crispy bacon mozzarella poppers are a fun snack! They are gooey inside with a crunchy bacon wrap outside, making every bite a tasty joy. Perfect for parties or game days!
Honestly, who can resist bacon and melted cheese? I always make extra because they disappear fast! Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a real treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for a gooey texture. If you’re in a hurry, mozzarella sticks work well too! Try using cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
Bacon: I love the flavor of regular bacon, but turkey or chicken bacon can serve as a lighter option. Just ensure they’re crispy enough to hold their shape during cooking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give you that extra crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be as crispy. For gluten-free, try crushed rice crackers instead.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Crispy Poppers?
The secret to crispy bacon mozzarella poppers lies in the frying technique. First, ensure your cheese is chilled before frying. This prevents it from leaking out while cooking.
- Set your oil temperature to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer helps here; too cool, and they soak up oil; too hot, and they burn.
- Fry in small batches. Crowding the pot drops the oil temperature, leading to sogginess.
- Drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil, which helps keep them crispy until serving.
Double-coating them in breadcrumbs gives that extra crunch, so don’t skip that step!
Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Popper Filling:
- 12 oz mozzarella cheese block or mozzarella sticks (cut into 2-3 inch pieces if using a block)
- 12 slices of bacon (thin or regular cut)
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Frying and Garnish:
- Cooking oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour in total, including 30 minutes of prep time and chilling, plus frying time. The freezing steps are important because they help keep your gooey cheese from melting all over during cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cheese:
Start by cutting the mozzarella into bite-sized sticks or chunks, around 2-3 inches in length. Arrange them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes until they are firm. This will help them hold their shape when frying.
2. Wrap with Bacon:
Take a slice of bacon and wrap it around each mozzarella piece snugly so that it covers most of the cheese. Place the wrapped cheese pieces back in the freezer while you get your breading station ready.
3. Set Up the Breading Station:
Get three shallow bowls ready. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with the tablespoon of water. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Bread the Poppers:
Once your cheese is frozen, take a bacon-wrapped piece from the freezer. Dredge it in flour, making sure to shake off the excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the panko stick. For an extra crispy popper, repeat the dipping in egg and breadcrumbs.
5. Chill Before Frying:
Lay the breaded poppers on a tray and freeze them again for another 15-20 minutes. This helps the coating set and keeps everything inside gooey!
6. Heat the Oil:
Pour about 2 inches of cooking oil into a deep pot or fryer. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Check the temperature with a thermometer if you have one; it’s key to perfect frying!
7. Fry the Poppers:
Carefully fry the bacon mozzarella poppers in small batches, about 2-3 minutes per batch, until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8. Serve Immediately:
Place the crispy poppers on a serving plate, garnish with finely chopped parsley, and enjoy them while they’re hot! They pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces, like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli!
Enjoy these crispy, gooey bacon mozzarella poppers as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is a classic choice for its meltiness, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for a different flavor profile. Just remember that not all cheeses melt the same way, so choose wisely!
Can I Make These Poppers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the wrapped and breaded poppers in advance! Just freeze them until you’re ready to fry. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a month, making them a great make-ahead appetizer!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get them crispy again.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
