Cajun BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients:
1 pound mozzarella sticks (frozen or fresh, cut into 1-inch pieces if using fresh)
1 package (12 ounces) bacon, cut in half
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs.
4. In a third shallow dish, place the panko bread crumbs.
5. Wrap each mozzarella stick with a half-piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
6. Dredge each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
7. Dip the floured mozzarella stick into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
8. Finally, coat the mozzarella stick completely in the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
9. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
11. While the mozzarella sticks are baking, lightly brush them with BBQ sauce during the last 5 minutes of baking. Alternatively, you can drizzle the BBQ sauce over the cooked mozzarella sticks once they've been removed from the oven.
12. Remove the mozzarella sticks from the oven and carefully remove toothpicks before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!