These Bacon Mozzarella Poppers are a fun mix of crispy bacon wrapped around gooey mozzarella, all topped with a sweet maple glaze. Yum!
Honestly, what’s not to love? I mean, bacon and cheese together? 🤤 I love serving them as an appetizer or a snack. Just be ready for the compliments!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is key for a gooey texture. If you can’t find it, try using string cheese cut into pieces, or even a firmer cheese like fontina for a different flavor.
Bacon: I prefer regular bacon for its classic taste, but turkey bacon or prosciutto can be great alternatives if you’re looking for lower-fat or a different flavor profile. Just note that cooking times may vary.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crispy texture that’s hard to beat. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian herbs for extra flavor.
Pure Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness. You can also substitute it with honey or agave syrup for a different but equally delicious taste.
How Do You Ensure Crispy Bacon and Perfectly Melted Cheese?
The secret to cooking these bacon mozzarella poppers lies in the frying technique. First, make sure your oil is at the right temperature—about 350°F (175°C)—to achieve that perfect crunch without burning the bacon.
- Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy poppers.
- Keep an eye on them, giving about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Let them drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil and keep them crispy!
With these tips, you’ll be serving up a platter of mouthwatering bacon mozzarella poppers that everyone will love!
Bacon Mozzarella Poppers With Sweet Maple Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-size cubes
- 12 slices of bacon, halved crosswise
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
For the Sweet Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing and wrapping the poppers, 15-20 minutes frying them, and the last few minutes drizzling that sweet glaze on top. Perfect for a quick and delicious snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Maple Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir them together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Wrap the Mozzarella:
Take your mozzarella cubes and wrap each one tightly with a half slice of bacon. Make sure the bacon covers the cheese snugly. Secure them with a toothpick or wooden skewer to hold everything in place while frying.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Prepare a breading station with three shallow bowls: one for the flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the panko breadcrumbs. This will make the coating process easy and organized!
4. Bread the Poppers:
Start by dredging each bacon-wrapped mozzarella popper in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs and then coat it well with panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they stick and cover any exposed cheese.
5. Fry the Poppers:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the poppers in batches, frying them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want the bacon to be crispy and the breadcrumbs golden brown. Remember not to overcrowd the pan!
6. Drain the Poppers:
Once done, remove the poppers using a slotted spoon and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
7. Assemble and Serve:
Arrange the poppers on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the sweet maple glaze and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finish.
8. Enjoy!
Serve these tasty bacon mozzarella poppers immediately as a delightful appetizer or snack. Everyone will love the combination of crispy, cheesy goodness with that sweet glaze!
Enjoy your deliciously crispy bacon poppers with a perfect touch of sweetness! 🍽️
Can I Use Other Cheeses Instead of Mozzarella?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda. Just keep in mind that the melting point might differ, so adjust your frying time if using firmer cheeses.
How Can I Make These Poppers Ahead of Time?
You can prepare and bread the poppers a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to add a few minutes to the frying time if they are chilled!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but consider adding some herbs or spices to boost the flavor, or even crush up crackers for a different texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Poppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again!
