Introduction

There's something undeniably indulgent about crispy bacon combined with gooey mozzarella. These Bacon Mozzarella Poppers epitomize comfort food, making them ideal for any gathering or cozy night in. Wrapped in savory bacon and finished with a sweet glaze, these poppers deliver the perfect balance of salty and sweet in every bite.

Whether you're entertaining guests or treating yourself, the allure of these poppers lies not just in their flavor but in their delightful crunch, complemented by the rich creaminess of melted mozzarella. Each popper offers a satisfying texture that will keep you reaching for just one more.

Prepare for a flavor sensation that will impress your family and friends; this recipe embraces simplicity while elevating your culinary game. Let's dive into creating these irresistible poppers.

Ingredients

• 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
  Thick-cut bacon provides a hearty, crispy exterior that encapsulates the poppers, sealing in moisture while adding a rich, smoky flavor.
• 12 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese
  Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully to create a gooey center that contrasts perfectly with the crispiness of the bacon, ensuring a delightful experience in every bite.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
  The flour acts as a light coating that helps the bacon adhere to the mozzarella and provides a slightly crunchy texture when baked.
• 1 large egg
  The egg acts as a binder, helping to secure the flour and bacon around the mozzarella while contributing richness and flavor to the final product.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
  Breadcrumbs add an additional level of crunchiness to the outside of the poppers, enhancing their texture and providing an appealing golden-brown color.
• ¼ cup honey
  Honey gives the glaze its sweetness and creates a deliciously sticky finish that balances the savory flavor of the bacon beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  Soy sauce adds a depth of umami, enhancing the overall flavor profile and providing a subtle saltiness that complements the dish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  Garlic powder infuses the poppers with aromatic warmth and adds an extra layer of flavor to the glaze.
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  These flakes introduce a gentle heat that contrasts with the sweetness of the glaze, ensuring the poppers are well-rounded in flavor.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Preheating the oven is essential for achieving that perfectly crispy bacon exterior. A well-heated oven ensures that the bacon cooks thoroughly and evenly, preventing sogginess and promoting that irresistible crunch.

Step 2: Prepare the mozzarella by cutting it into 1-inch cubes.

Cutting the mozzarella into uniform cubes allows for even melting and ensures that the cheese stays contained within the bacon wrapping. Uniform sizes also help in cooking consistently, enhancing your presentation.

Step 3: Wrap each cube of mozzarella with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.

Securing the bacon with a toothpick not only keeps it in place while cooking but also makes for easier serving. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to ensure a full encasement around the mozzarella, which helps with melting.

Step 4: Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs in three separate bowls.

Creating a dredging station allows for an efficient and organized approach to coating the poppers. This step will ensure that each popper is evenly covered, leading to a consistent texture once baked.

Step 5: Coat each bacon-wrapped mozzarella popper first in flour, then dip in egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs.

This three-step coating process creates layers of flavor and texture, trapping moisture within the mozzarella while adding crunch to the surface. Each layer plays a crucial role in achieving that ideal popper experience.

Step 6: Place the coated poppers on a lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.

Spacing the poppers on the baking sheet allows hot air to circulate around them during baking, ensuring they cook evenly and become crispy rather than steaming. This spacing is key for achieving that desirable crunch.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Monitoring the cooking time is essential for the perfect balance of crispy bacon and gooey cheese. Keep an eye on them in the final minutes to prevent overcooking, as burnt bacon can overshadow the flavors.

Step 8: While the poppers are baking, prepare the sweet glaze by combining honey, soy sauce, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until combined.

This glaze not only enhances the flavor of the poppers but also provides a beautiful finish. Heating the glaze allows the flavors to meld together, enriching the overall taste and creating an inviting aroma.

Step 9: Once the poppers are done baking, drizzle the warm glaze over them immediately before serving.

Drizzling the glaze right after baking ensures that it adheres better to the hot poppers, enhancing each bite with sweetness. Serving immediately while warm guarantees that the mozzarella stays gooey and the bacon remains crisp.

The Art of Wrapping: Securing Your Poppers

Properly wrapping the cheese in bacon is crucial for the integrity of your poppers. Ensure that the bacon overlaps adequately as you wrap each cheese cube; this not only keeps the cheese from leaking during cooking but also maximizes flavor in every bite. A snug wrap will also help the bacon crisp evenly, turning golden brown and allowing the molten mozzarella to shine through.

Sweet and Savory: The Perfect Glaze

The sweet glaze is not just an afterthought; it plays a key role in balancing the savory richness of the bacon. The combination of honey and soy sauce brings out the umami flavors while adding sweetness that complements the dish perfectly. The hint of garlic and spice from the red pepper flakes gives an enticing flavor profile that elevates these poppers to a new level of indulgence.

Craving Leftovers? Transform Your Poppers

If you find yourself with leftover poppers, consider new culinary adventures. Chop them up to create a savory topping for a salad or mix them into a pasta dish for an exciting twist. Their flavor profile enhances various recipes, making them versatile leftovers that don't just sit in the fridge waiting to be reheated.

FAQs

What if my bacon isn't crispy enough?

If your bacon is not crispy after baking, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Alternatively, you can broil the poppers for a minute or two at the end of baking for an extra crisp.

How can I ensure the glaze isn’t too thick?

If the glaze becomes too thick while heating, you can add a splash of water or additional soy sauce to achieve your desired consistency.

Can I scale this recipe for larger gatherings?

Absolutely! Simply multiply the ingredient quantities according to your crowd size. Just ensure that you do not overcrowd the baking sheet for even cooking.

Why did my poppers leak cheese?

Leaking cheese often occurs if the bacon wasn't wrapped tightly enough or if the baking temperature was too low. Ensure the bacon encases the cheese snugly and that the oven is preheated.

What can I serve alongside these poppers?

These poppers pair wonderfully with a fresh, zesty salad or spicy dipping sauces like a chipotle mayo or ranch dressing to complement their richness.

How do I know when the poppers are done?

The poppers are done when the bacon is golden brown and crispy, usually taking about 20-25 minutes. Check to see if the cheese is gooey by gently pressing on one.

Conclusion

Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers with Sweet Glaze are more than just an appetizing treat; they're a delightful experience for your taste buds. The combination of textures and flavors creates a dish that's perfect for sharing or savoring solo.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe invites cooks of all levels to indulge in a flavor-packed delight. Go ahead and bring some warmth and satisfaction to your kitchen with these unforgettable poppers.

Recipe Card

Notes

Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.

For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.

Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.