Servings: 8 mozzarella sticks
Ingredients
8 part-skim mozzarella string cheese sticks
8 slices center-cut bacon (or turkey bacon for a leaner option)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Cooking spray (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 30–45 minutes to help prevent melting.
Mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each frozen mozzarella stick, slightly overlapping the bacon as you wrap.
Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the wrapped sticks.
Place them seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
Bake: 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy.
Air Fry: 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
High-Protein Ranch Dip
Mix together:
½ cup nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tsp ranch seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tsp lemon juice
Chopped chives or dill (optional)
Approximate Nutrition (Per Stick)
Calories: 150–170
Protein: 15–17 g
Carbs: 1–2 g
Fat: 9–11 g