Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers with Sweet Maple Glaze: 5 Epic Party Appetizers

Introduction

When it comes to dazzling your guests, few appetizers hit the mark like Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers with Sweet Maple Glaze. These bite-sized treats deliver a flavor-packed punch: gooey, melted mozzarella encased in a golden, crunchy breading, then wrapped in smoky bacon and finished with a glossy, luscious maple glaze. It’s a mouthwatering combination of savory and sweet that vanishes in minutes—making it a must for any festive gathering or game day spread.

Why These Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers Stand Out

This recipe’s magic lies in the irresistible contrast of melted cheese, crisp bacon, and the sticky-sweet kick of maple glaze. With just a handful of straightforward steps, you’ll create an appetizer that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple, ensuring your party menu stands out with minimal effort. Plus, these poppers pair perfectly with a range of other snacks for a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing selection.

Perfecting the Sweet Maple Glaze

The glaze is the finishing touch that sets these poppers apart. Simmer pure maple syrup with a touch of Dijon mustard and cracked black pepper until slightly thickened. Brush over the hot, just-baked bacon-wrapped poppers, letting it soak into every crisp nook. The result: a dazzling glossy finish and an addictive sweet-savory flavor profile.

Assembling & Cooking Your Poppers

To assemble, simply wrap mozzarella sticks in bacon, coat in a crisp panko mixture, then bake or air fry until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is delightfully melty. The bacon holds everything together (and adds that savory punch), while the breading stays crunchiest when baked to golden perfection. The maple glaze is brushed on immediately afterward for maximum shine and flavor.

5 Epic Party Appetizers to Complete Your Spread

Pair your bacon mozzarella poppers with these winning appetizers for an unforgettable party platter:

1. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
2. Mini Caprese Skewers
3. Spicy Jalapeño Deviled Eggs
4. Honey Garlic Shrimp Bites
5. Loaded Potato Skins

Mix and match to offer a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something for every guest.

Nutritional Info & Serving Size

This recipe yields about 16 poppers, with each popper containing approximately 110–130 calories. They’re a rich, satisfying treat, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a fun party spread.

Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers Recap

Gooey cheese, crunchy bacon, and a luxurious maple glaze combine for an irresistible appetizer that’s easy to make and impossible to forget. They’re destined to be the hit of any gathering—so make plenty!

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for quick, stress-free grocery runs and effortless meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (or preheat air fryer to 390°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray an air fryer basket with oil.
2. Place flour in a shallow bowl. Beat eggs in another shallow bowl. Mix panko with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a third bowl.
3. Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat fully in panko mixture.
4. Wrap each breaded mozzarella stick tightly with a slice of bacon. Place seam side down on the prepared sheet or in air fryer basket.
5. Lightly spray poppers with oil. Bake or air fry for 14–17 minutes, turning halfway, until bacon is crispy and cheese is melty.
6. While poppers cook, simmer maple syrup and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan over medium heat until thickened (about 4–5 minutes), stirring often. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. Brush warm poppers generously with the maple glaze just before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

These Crispy Bacon Mozzarella Poppers are a fantastic addition to your party or meal prep rotation. Save and schedule this recipe to build out your weekly menus and generate smart shopping lists that consolidate all your ingredients.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient needs across every planned recipe
• Groups ingredients by store section for faster shopping trips
• Prevents buying duplicates or forgetting essentials
• Makes party and weeknight prep smoother, saving time and money

Pro tip: If you’re planning multiple appetizers (like Caprese skewers or deviled eggs), schedule them together and let CookifyAI calculate your total egg, cheese, and produce needs for foolproof shopping and prep.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy these epic Bacon Mozzarella Poppers at your next gathering—and streamline meal prep and shopping with CookifyAI!