These Bacon Mozzarella Poppers are totally irresistible! Crispy bacon wraps around gooey mozzarella, and a sweet maple glaze takes them to the next level.
It’s hard to stop at just one! The combo of crunchy, cheesy, and sweet flavors makes them so fun to eat. Trust me, everyone will want to join in on the poppin’ party! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Stick with classic mozzarella for that stretchy meltiness. You can swap it with string cheese for convenience or use cheddar if you want a sharp twist!
Bacon: I recommend thin-cut bacon for wrapping—it’s crispy and easier to bite into. If you prefer, try turkey bacon for a lighter option or prosciutto for a gourmet touch.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add an extra crunch to your poppers. Regular breadcrumbs are fine if you don’t have panko, but they won’t give the same texture.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup has the best flavor. If you’re on a budget, the pancake syrup works too; just know it will be sweeter. Honey or agave syrup are great alternatives as well!
How Do I Get Extra Crispy Poppers?
To make sure your poppers turn out crispy and delicious, follow these handy tips:
- Freeze the breaded poppers for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cheese melt slower, keeping it inside while the bacon crisps up!
- Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan; this keeps the oil hot and ensures even cooking.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C). If it cools too much, the poppers won’t get crispy. If it’s too hot, they may burn!
Following these tips will help you achieve a golden, crispy texture that everyone will love!
Bacon Mozzarella Poppers With Sweet Maple Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Poppers:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (cut into thirds)
- 12 slices of bacon (cut in half)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For The Sweet Maple Glaze:
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Toothpicks or wooden skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 20 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to fry. Plus, don’t forget about the 30 minutes needed for freezing before cooking. Overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour to make these delicious poppers ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Set Up the Breading Station:
Start by preparing three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together. This is your fun breading station!
2. Wrap the Cheese:
Take each piece of mozzarella and wrap it up snugly with half a slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon so it doesn’t come undone while cooking. Apply love and care to this step—it makes a delicious difference!
3. Coat the Poppers:
Now it’s time for the magic! Dredge each bacon-wrapped mozzarella in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mix until it’s nice and covered. For a super crispy texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more!
4. Freeze to Set:
Lay your beautifully breaded poppers on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This makes sure the coating sticks well and keeps the cheese inside while frying. Just be patient and keep the excitement for the yummy outcome!
5. Heat the Oil:
As your poppers are freezing, heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large skillet until it reaches 350°F (175°C). This is the magic temperature for frying—warm enough to cook the bacon and melt the cheese without burning!
6. Fry Them Up:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the poppers in batches. Fry them until they’re golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, and let them drain on paper towels.
7. Make the Maple Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup and soy sauce. Allow it to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. This glaze will add a delightful sweetness to your poppers!
8. Glaze the Poppers:
Once your poppers are fried to perfection, drizzle that warm maple glaze over them generously. Let the sweet goodness soak in, and get ready for a flavor explosion!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish the poppers with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them warm with extra toothpicks for easy snacking, and watch them disappear—they’ll be a hit!
Enjoy these crispy, gooey bacon mozzarella poppers with a delicious sweet maple glaze that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors!
Can I Use Regular Mozzarella Instead of String Cheese?
Absolutely! Regular mozzarella cut into thirds works just as well. Just ensure you’re using cheese that melts nicely for that gooey texture we love in poppers.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will suffice though they won’t give you the same crunch. You can also crush some crackers or use cornmeal for a different texture.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the poppers and freeze them before frying! Just remember to store them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a sealed bag for up to a month. When you’re ready to fry, you can cook them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time!
How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, you can reheat them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy again. Avoid the microwave as it may make the poppers soggy.
