Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Sticks

Want a crunchy, cheesy, and savory snack with no added carbohydrates? Keto Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Sticks are the perfect low-carb treat! These bites, which combine creamy mozzarella cheese with smoky, salty bacon for a flavorful treat, are perfect for game nights, quick appetizers, or a satisfying keto snack. They are simple to make, require only a few ingredients, and are keto-friendly, while still providing a satisfying crunch and gooey melted cheese inside.

Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS

NUMERICAL REVIEW

• Diet: Ketogenic
• Course: Appetizer, snack
• Cuisine: American
• Cook time: Twenty minutes
• Prep time: Ten minutes
• Working time: Thirty minutes
• Single portion size: One stick
• Yield: 8 servings
• Cooking method: Air fryer or oven
• Difficulty level: Easy

TOOLS

• Tongs
• Baking sheet or tray
• Knife
• Parchment liner
• Tongs
• Baking mat(silicone)

INGREDIENTS

• Toothpicks
• 8 cheese sticks
• Garlic powder, half a tsp.
• 16 bacon slices
• Smoked paprika, one tsp.

INGREDIENT NOTES

BACON

• As this recipe has a short cooking time, you will need medium or thin-cut slices of bacon. Otherwise, your bacon slices will not cook properly from the inside. You may go for the Turkey bacon for a lower-fat option and a unique flavor, but it will not be as crispy as bacon.

CHEESE STICKS

• We will use the mozzarella cheese sticks here because they hold their shape when wrapped in bacon slices, but still melt nicely to give you the creamy and gooey texture. You may go for the sticks of pepper jack, colby jack, or cheddar cheese as an alternative.
  You just need to avoid processed cheese, as it overmelts and destroys the shape and texture.

SEASONINGS

• They are not necessary, but we use them to enhance the flavor. Here, we are using the garlic powder and smoked paprika, but you may also add the Italian seasoning or chilli powder to make it yours.

Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Warm up your oven(empty) or airfryer to 200 degrees C.
2. Cover the baking sheet using the silicone baking mat or parchment sheet.
3. Pick a cheese stick and start rolling the slice of bacon from the top.
4. You have to roll two slices of bacon per stick.
5. Secure the end with the toothpick insertion.
6. Sprinkle the seasoning over the bacon-rolled cheese stick.
7. Similarly, wrap all the cheese sticks and keep them on the baking sheet.
8. Transfer the sheet from the counter to the oven for twenty minutes, and to the air fryer for 12 minutes.
9. You need to turn them after a while so that they become golden.
10. Wait for them to cool down once they are out of the oven.
11. Your Keto Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Stricks are ready to serve!

TIPS

• Never overbake! otherwise, most of the cheese will escape from the bacon slices. You may also freeze them for around twenty minutes, so they won’t melt extra.
• Shift the tray near the flame for two minutes to have the crispier bacon.
• Never use the thick bacon; it will result in chewy bacon.

HOW TO STORE THE LEFTOVERS

CHILLING

• Pack the cheese sticks(leftover) in a container secured with an airtight lid. Refrigerate it for around three days.

FREEZING

• Arrange the ready-to-bake sticks in a tray and freeze them. Transfer them to the freezer-safe bag and freeze them for around a month. Cook them directly in a frozen state with some extra time.

FAQs

What is the solution to prevent the overmelting of cheese?

• Freeze the cheese for 15 minutes, then wrap the bacon slices around it and never overbake. These tips will prevent your cheese from overmelting.

Does the pre-cooked bacon work?

• No, as the pre-cooked bacon will get overcooked or even burned till the melting of cheese. That’s why we prefer raw bacon.

Could I make the recipe a little more flavorful?

• Sure! You may sprinkle the chili flakes or brush the BBQ-sugar-free sauce on the bacon slices.

Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS

NUTRITIONAL FACTS/SERVING

Single potion size: One cheese stick
Calories: ~170 kcal
Carbs(total): One gram
Fiber: 0 g
Net carbs: One gram
Fats: Thirteen grams
Sugar: 0 g
Protein: Twelve grams
Sodium: 540 g