Carnivore Bacon Mozzarella Sticks
These Carnivore Bacon Mozzarella Sticks are a delicious, crispy, and cheesy treat perfect for anyone on a carnivore diet. The combination of crispy bacon, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a simple carnivore-friendly crust will make you forget you’re eating a low-carb, high-protein snack. Whether you need a savory snack or an appetizer, these bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks hit the spot!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (cut into sticks)
- 8 slices bacon (one slice per cheese stick)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup ground pork rinds (optional, to create a “breaded” effect)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Start by cutting the mozzarella cheese block into sticks. You’ll want each stick to be about the size of a standard mozzarella stick (around 3-4 inches long and about 1 inch thick).
- Lay the cheese sticks aside on a plate or tray, ready for the next steps.
2. Wrap with Bacon:
- Take each slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around a mozzarella stick. Make sure to cover the cheese fully, leaving the ends exposed for the best crispy texture.
- Place the bacon-wrapped cheese sticks on a plate or tray as you go. Try to wrap the bacon tightly so that it stays in place while cooking.
3. Coat with Pork Rinds (Optional but Recommended):
- If you want to add a crispy, breaded-like texture, crush some pork rinds into a fine powder. You can do this in a food processor or by placing the pork rinds in a plastic bag and smashing them with a rolling pin.
- In a shallow bowl, crack the egg and beat it lightly. In a separate shallow bowl, pour the crushed pork rinds and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Dip each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the crushed pork rinds, ensuring the bacon-wrapped cheese is covered in the rinds for that crispy coating.
4. Cook the Bacon Mozzarella Sticks:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little beef tallow or butter to the pan (about 1 tablespoon). Once hot, carefully place the prepared mozzarella sticks in the skillet.
- Cook the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bacon is crispy and golden, and the cheese inside has begun to melt.
- Alternatively, you can bake the mozzarella sticks in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), and place the bacon-wrapped sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted inside.
5. Serve:
- Once the Carnivore Bacon Mozzarella Sticks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet or oven and let them cool for a minute before serving.
- These sticks are best enjoyed fresh and can be dipped in sour cream, ranch dressing, or any carnivore-friendly sauce of your choice.
Additional Tips:
- Bacon Choice: For the crispiest results, choose bacon that’s not too thick. Thin-cut bacon will cook faster and become crispier, wrapping more tightly around the mozzarella.
- Pork Rind Coating: If you’re not following a strict carnivore diet, you can skip the pork rind coating, but it helps add a great crunchy texture and keeps the cheese from leaking out too quickly.
- Cheese Alternatives: If mozzarella isn’t your favorite, you can use cheddar or Swiss cheese for different flavors and textures. Just keep in mind that cheese with more moisture (like fresh mozzarella) will melt quicker and might ooze out during cooking.
Why You’ll Love These:
- High in protein and fat: The combination of bacon and cheese provides a satisfying, high-fat snack that’s great for fueling your body on a carnivore diet.
- Crispy and gooey: The bacon adds the perfect crunch, while the mozzarella creates a gooey, melty center, making each bite utterly delicious.
- Customizable: You can add seasonings or spices of your choice to make the flavor profile your own, or leave it simple for a classic bacon and cheese experience.
These Carnivore Bacon Mozzarella Sticks are perfect for snacking, meal prepping, or even serving at a party. With rich flavors and a satisfying crunch, they’re a must-try for anyone on a carnivore diet!