Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 cheese sticks
- 12 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Toothpicks
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
4. Cut each cheese stick in half.
5. Wrap each cheese stick half with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
6. Roll each bacon-wrapped cheese stick in the brown sugar mixture, making sure it's evenly coated.
7. Place the bacon-wrapped cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
9. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
- This recipe makes 24 bacon-wrapped cheese sticks.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of brown sugar, you can use honey or maple syrup.
- Instead of garlic powder, you can use onion powder or Italian seasoning.
- Instead of smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika or cayenne pepper.
Variations:
- You can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack.
- You can add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- You can wrap the cheese sticks with prosciutto instead of bacon.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the toothpicks are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning in the oven.
- You can make these ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- If the bacon is not crispy enough, you can broil the cheese sticks for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the bacon-wrapped cheese sticks on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the bacon-wrapped cheese sticks on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
Garnishes:
- You can sprinkle some chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- These bacon-wrapped cheese sticks pair well with a cold beer or a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve these bacon-wrapped cheese sticks with a side of ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or honey mustard dipping sauce.
- You can also serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese starts to ooze out of the bacon-wrapped cheese sticks, it means they are overcooked. Reduce the cooking time next time.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the bacon is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to eat.
- Discard any leftover bacon-wrapped cheese sticks that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Bacon-wrapped appetizers have been popular for decades, and this recipe puts a twist on the classic bacon-wrapped dates or bacon-wrapped scallops.
Flavor profiles:
- These bacon-wrapped cheese sticks are sweet, savory, and cheesy with a crispy bacon exterior.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve these bacon-wrapped cheese sticks as an appetizer at your next party or game day gathering.
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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Crunchy, Bacon, Salty, Bacon-Flavored