Ingredients (Makes 8–10 Sticks)
- 8 ounces string cheese or mozzarella sticks
- 8–10 slices bacon (thin or regular-cut)
- Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for seasoning
- Optional: toothpicks for securing bacon
Preparation Time
Prep time: 5–10 minutes
Bake time: 12–18 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a wire rack on a sheet pan to allow bacon fat to drain.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese
If using string cheese, leave them whole or cut in half for bite-sized pieces.
Optional: Freeze cheese sticks for 10–15 minutes before wrapping. This helps prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
Step 3: Wrap with Bacon
Take a slice of bacon and wrap around the cheese stick.
- Overlap slightly to fully cover
- Use toothpick to secure if needed
- Sprinkle with optional seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, Italian herbs
Step 4: Bake
Place wrapped sticks on prepared baking sheet.
Bake 12–18 minutes until:
- Bacon is crispy
- Cheese is melted inside
If bacon browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Step 5: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Let rest 2–3 minutes after baking. Cheese is extremely hot right out of the oven.
Optional: Serve with keto-friendly dipping sauces like ranch, marinara (no sugar), or spicy mustard.
Cheese Options
- String cheese (mozzarella) – classic and melts evenly
- Colby jack – adds a tangy flavor
- Cheddar – sharper flavor, may firm slightly when cooled
- Provolone – mild and stretchy
Flavor Variations
Spicy
Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on bacon before baking.
Herby
Use Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.
Smoky
Use smoked cheddar or smoked paprika.
Garlic Butter Finish
Brush cooked sticks with melted garlic butter after baking.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze uncooked bacon-wrapped sticks up to 1 month. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to baking time.
