These Bacon Mozzarella Poppers are crispy and cheesy, wrapped in delicious bacon and drizzled with a sweet maple glaze. They make a great snack or appetizer for any party!
Honestly, they disappear fast! I can’t resist the combo of crunchy bacon and oozy mozzarella. Just be ready to share, or you might find yourself hoarding them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella Cheese: I love using fresh mozzarella balls or bocconcini for a creamy texture. If you can’t find them, any mild cheese like provolone or cheddar works, but mozzarella melts beautifully.
Bacon: Regular bacon gives that classic flavor, but turkey bacon is a leaner option. You can also try prosciutto, which will offer a different taste and texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a nice crunch, but if you don’t have any, you can use regular breadcrumbs. Just remember, they might be less crispy than panko.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is best for the glaze, but if you need a substitute, try honey or agave syrup for sweetness. Just adjust the quantity to your taste!
How Do You Ensure the Bacon is Perfectly Crispy?
The key to crispy bacon-wrapped poppers is cooking them at the right temperature. Preheat your oil to 350°F (175°C) before frying. Cooking them in batches helps keep the temperature steady. Fry until the bacon turns golden brown and is crunchy – usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Wrap each mozzarella piece tightly with bacon to prevent cheese from leaking out during frying.
- Use a thermometer to check oil temperature; too low and they’ll be greasy; too high and you might burn them.
- Make sure to drain the fried poppers on paper towels to remove excess oil for maximum crispiness.
These tips should help you whip up fantastic Bacon Mozzarella Poppers that will be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy your cooking!
Bacon Mozzarella Poppers With Sweet Maple Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Poppers:
- 10 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-size cubes or small balls (such as bocconcini)
- 10 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley or rosemary, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sweet Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time, plus a few minutes for the glaze. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these delicious poppers in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Poppers:
Start by wrapping each mozzarella piece with a half slice of bacon. Make sure to secure it with a toothpick so it stays wrapped as it cooks. This little step is super important for holding everything together!
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
You’ll need three bowls for this. In one bowl, put the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until nice and fluffy. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper to add some yummy flavor.
3. Coat the Poppers:
Now, it’s time to give those poppers a crunchy coat! Dredge each bacon-wrapped cheese ball in the flour first, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Set them aside on a tray as you prepare to fry.
4. Fry the Poppers:
In a deep pan, heat up the vegetable oil until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). Once it’s hot, carefully fry the poppers in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan). Cook them for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Keep a close eye on them so that they don’t burn!
5. Drain:
Once they’re done frying, take the poppers out and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. This will keep them crispy!
6. Make the Maple Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and chili flakes. Stir it often until it starts to simmer and thickens a bit, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove it from the heat.
7. Glaze the Poppers:
Take your warm maple glaze and drizzle or brush it generously over the freshly fried bacon mozzarella poppers. This will give them that sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the savory bacon!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or rosemary on top of the poppers for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve them warm with extra glaze on the side for dipping. Enjoy every cheesy, crispy bite!
These Bacon Mozzarella Poppers with Sweet Maple Glaze are a scrumptious treat that combines everyone’s favorite flavors — a must-try for your next gathering!
Can I Use Different Cheeses?
Absolutely! While mozzarella gives a wonderful melt, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone or cheddar. Just be mindful that the texture and flavor will change slightly depending on what you use.
How Can I Make These Poppers Spicier?
If you want some heat, you can increase the chili flakes in the glaze or add a pinch to the cheese before wrapping it with bacon. You could also use spicy bacon for an added kick!
Can I Prep These Poppers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare everything a few hours ahead! Just wrap the mozzarella with bacon and coat them, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry. Just add a few extra minutes to the frying time if they’re cold.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain that crispy texture!