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Bacon Wrapped Bread Sticks: An Irresistible Crowd-Pleaser

I can still vividly recall the first time I encountered these magical bacon-wrapped bread sticks. It was at a bustling Super Bowl party, the air thick with anticipation and the aroma of game-day snacks. Amidst a sea of dips and wings, a platter of these golden-brown, crispy delights appeared, and instantly became the star of the show. The salty, smoky bacon perfectly complemented the crunchy bread stick, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. They disappeared faster than you could say “touchdown,” and I knew I had to learn the secret behind them.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Yields: 16 Breadsticks
Serves: 8
Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1 lb bacon
1 (16 count) package Stella D’oro breadsticks
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 tablespoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
8 ounces Parmesan-Romano cheese mix

Equipment Needed

Broiler pan with rack (or cookie sheet)
Aluminum foil
Small bowl
Shaker jar (optional)
Tongs

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the Parmesan-Romano cheese mix with the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, fresh ground black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, celery salt, dried basil, and ground cayenne pepper. If desired, transfer this mixture to a shaker jar for easier application later. Ensure you shake the jar well before each use to redistribute the spices.
Prepare your baking sheet. Ideally, use a broiler pan with a rack. Line the bottom of the pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If you don’t have a broiler pan, a regular cookie sheet will also work. However, be aware that using a cookie sheet might slightly increase the cooking time, as the bacon won’t be elevated for even crisping.
Now, let’s get to the heart of the recipe: wrapping the breadsticks. Take a slice of bacon and gently stretch it by squeezing it up and down. Be careful not to break or separate the bacon. The goal is to slightly elongate it for better coverage around the breadstick.
Start wrapping the bacon at the top end of a breadstick and carefully wrap it completely around, working your way down to the bottom end. These breadsticks are delicate, so handle them with care to prevent breakage.
Place the wrapped breadstick perpendicularly on the rack of your broiler pan. This prevents the breadstick from falling through the gaps as the bacon cooks and shrinks. Leave about a 1/4 inch gap between each breadstick to ensure even cooking.
Repeat the wrapping process until you’ve filled the rack with bacon-wrapped breadsticks.
Generously sprinkle each wrapped breadstick with the prepared cheese mixture. Don’t be shy – this is where the magic happens!
Bake in the preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes, or until the bacon is fully cooked and crispy. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning. The bacon should be a rich, golden brown.
Once the bacon is cooked, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the breadsticks with additional cheese mixture while they’re still hot. The residual heat will help the cheese melt and adhere to the bacon.
Let the bacon-wrapped breadsticks stand for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This allows the cheese to set and the bacon to firm up a bit.
Using tongs, carefully transfer the breadsticks to a serving platter.
Allow the bacon-wrapped breadsticks to cool completely before covering them with aluminum foil. Covering them while warm will trap steam, resulting in mushy breadsticks – and we want them to stay nice and crispy!
These can be served cold or reheated in a 375-degree oven for about 5-10 minutes. If reheating, remove the foil beforehand.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To save money and ensure ample bacon, opt for store-brand, regular-sliced bacon (the cheaper, the better!). Buying bacon in bulk from warehouse stores like Sam’s Club is a great strategy for parties.
Inspect breadsticks carefully before purchase. Many packages contain broken sticks, so you’ll need whole sticks for a pound of bacon (16 slices). If any are broken, you might need to buy additional packages.
Consider experimenting with different flavors of Stella D’oro breadsticks! Garlic flavored, Rosemary flavored, Sesame Seed, or Plain ones work great.
If using Garlic Flavored breadsticks, cut the amount of garlic powder in the cheese mixture in half. Similarly, halve the rosemary if using Rosemary Flavored sticks.
Omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a less spicy version.
Don’t worry about excess cheese mixture; it’s delicious on pasta!
While prosciutto might seem like an elegant substitute, it lacks the necessary fat content to adhere properly during baking. It tends to shrink, split, and create a messy appearance. If you’re set on using prosciutto, consider dipping the breadsticks in an egg wash before wrapping to help it stick.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These bacon-wrapped breadsticks are incredibly versatile and can be served at room temperature, cold, or warm. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-10 minutes.

Store leftover breadsticks in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freezing is not recommended, as it can affect the texture of the breadsticks.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	386.4 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	78%
Total Fat	33.4 g	51%
Saturated Fat	13.5 g	67%
Cholesterol	59 mg	19%
Sodium	1245.5 mg	51%
Total Carbohydrate	3.4 g	1%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	0.3 g	1%
Protein	17.7 g	35%

Variations & Substitutions

Cheese Variations: Try different combinations of cheeses in the spice mix. Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all work well.
Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Sweet and Savory: Drizzle the finished breadsticks with a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweet and savory twist.
Gluten-Free Option: While the Stella D’oro breadsticks are not gluten-free, you could try wrapping gluten-free breadsticks or pretzel sticks with bacon instead.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can wrap the breadsticks with bacon and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the cheese mixture right before baking.

Q: What’s the best way to prevent the bacon from falling off?
A: Make sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the breadstick, slightly overlapping each layer. Also, placing the breadsticks perpendicular to the rack will prevent them from falling through as the bacon shrinks.

Q: Can I use thick-cut bacon?
A: While you can use thick-cut bacon, it may require a longer cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked and crispy.

Q: What if I don’t have a broiler pan with a rack?
A: A regular cookie sheet will work, but the bacon might not get as crispy. You can also try placing the breadsticks on a wire rack set inside a cookie sheet.

Q: Can I freeze these bacon-wrapped breadsticks?
A: Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the breadsticks and make the bacon soggy upon thawing.

Final Thoughts

These Bacon Wrapped Bread Sticks are more than just a snack; they’re a conversation starter, a crowd-pleaser, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. The combination of salty bacon, crispy breadsticks, and flavorful spices is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this addictive treat. Don’t be surprised if they disappear in minutes – that’s just the magic of bacon! I encourage you to try this recipe, experiment with different variations, and share your creations with others. Happy cooking!

Bacon Wrapped Bread Sticks Recipe