Picture this: a plateful of golden brown cheese sticks, perfectly crispy on the outside, oozing with warm melting cheese on the inside. As you take a bite, the smoky flavor of bacon and the slight kick from peppers dance on your taste buds, leaving you in pure bliss. This classic appetizer has been a crowd pleaser for generations, and it holds a special place in my heart too.

The origin of fried cheese sticks can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. Originally a way to use up leftover cheese scraps, it quickly gained popularity for its irresistible combination of gooey cheese and crunchy coating. Over time, variations emerged, and today, I’m excited to share with you my own twist on this beloved dish: Fried Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Peppers.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
• 8 slices of bacon
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the diced peppers until they soften. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Take a mozzarella stick and wrap it with a bacon slice. Repeat this process for all the cheese sticks.
4. In three separate bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano and garlic powder.
5. Dip each bacon-wrapped cheese stick into the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Shake off the excess flour.
6. Dip the flour-coated stick into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
7. Finally, coat the cheese stick with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the stick to ensure an even coating.
8. Repeat steps 5-7 for all the bacon-wrapped cheese sticks.
9. Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 375°F (190°C).
10. Carefully place the cheese sticks into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
11. Remove the cheese sticks from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel to remove any excess oil.
12. Season with salt and pepper while still hot.

Serve your Fried Cheese Sticks with Bacon and Peppers while they’re still warm and gooey. Arrange them beautifully on a platter and serve alongside marinara sauce for dipping. I promise you, these delicious bites will disappear in no time. They are perfect for parties, game nights, or simply indulging yourself on a cozy evening at home.

Variations:

To add some extra flavor, you can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or Gouda. Feel free to substitute the bacon with prosciutto for a more elegant twist. If you prefer a milder heat, you can replace the jalapenos with bell peppers or skip them altogether for a classic cheese stick. Let your creativity take over and create your own signature version of this delightful dish.