Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Stick Cannoli
Prep time: 15 minutes | Chill time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 15–18 minutes | Yield: 8 sticks
Ingredients
Cheese & Coating
- 8 low-moisture mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian seasoned Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Bacon Wrap
- 16 slices thin-cut bacon (about 2 slices per cheese stick)
- Marinara sauce or ketchup (for dipping)
Instructions
- Bread the Cheese: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and black pepper. Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour, dip into the egg, and coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb layer a second time for a thick coating to prevent cheese from leaking.
- Chill: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a plate and freeze for 20 minutes to firm up.
- Wrap in Bacon: Wrap two slices of bacon tightly around each frozen breaded cheese stick, spiraling down the length like a cannoli shell so the cheese is fully covered. Secure the loose ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Cook (Air Fryer or Oven):
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Arrange wrapped sticks in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and browned.
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes until the bacon is crisp and fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks, let cool for 2–3 minutes, and serve warm with marinara sauce or ketchup for dipping.
