These Bacon Mozzarella Poppers are a tasty treat! Crispy bacon wraps gooey mozzarella, and with a sweet maple glaze, each bite is a delightful mix of flavors that everyone will love.
Honestly, who can resist bacon and cheese? I could snack on these all day! They’re perfect for parties or a movie night, and they’re easy to make, too. Give them a try! 🍁🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella gives the best stretchy texture, but you can use low-moisture mozzarella or cheese sticks for convenience. If you’re looking for lower-fat options, try part-skim mozzarella.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for a meaty bite. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey bacon works well, though it might not get as crispy. For a smoky flavor, try using smoked bacon!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds great crunch! If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they may not be as crispy. You could also use crushed crackers or cornflakes for a unique texture.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is best for flavor, but if it’s out of reach, you can substitute with honey or agave syrup. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Bacon on My Poppers?
To get your bacon nice and crispy while keeping the cheese melty, follow these tips:
- Preheat your oven well before placing your poppers inside; a hot oven helps the bacon render fat quickly.
- Make sure to place the poppers seam-side down. This prevents the bacon from unraveling while cooking.
- Monitor them closely in the last few minutes of baking. If they look almost done but not quite crispy, you can turn on the broiler for a minute or two—just watch carefully!
Bacon Mozzarella Poppers With Sweet Maple Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 16 oz (450 g) mozzarella cheese block or mozzarella sticks, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 16 slices bacon (about 1 slice per popper)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for smoky flavor)
- Toothpicks for securing
For the Sweet Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper (optional for slight heat)
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or dried herbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, giving you a total of 30 minutes to enjoy these tasty poppers from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make cleanup easy by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This will give the poppers a crispy, flavorful crust!
3. Coat the Mozzarella:
Take each mozzarella piece and roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides evenly. This will help create a crispy layer when the bacon cooks.
4. Wrap with Bacon:
Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each mozzarella piece. Secure everything in place with a toothpick to keep the bacon from unraveling during cooking.
5. Bake the Poppers:
Place the bacon-wrapped poppers on your prepared baking sheet, making sure the seam side is down. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on them; bacon can crisp up quickly!
6. Make the Maple Glaze:
While the poppers are baking, prepare the sweet maple glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, mustard, and chili flakes. Stir and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat.
7. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the poppers are ready, carefully remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle with the warm sweet maple glaze for that extra flavor punch.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or your choice of dried herbs. Serve the poppers immediately while they’re warm and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and savory!
These Bacon Mozzarella Poppers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is the traditional choice for its meltiness, you can experiment with cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a blend—just keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary based on the cheese you choose!
How Can I Make These Bacon Mozzarella Poppers Spicy?
If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños or habaneros to the cheese filling. You can also increase the amount of chili flakes in the glaze or serve with a spicy dipping sauce for more kick!
Can I Prepare the Poppers in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the poppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!
How Should I Store Leftover Poppers?
Store any leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to get them crispy again, or microwave them for a quick snack.
