Bacon Mozzarella Poppers with Maple Glaze Easy Party Recipe

Name: Bacon Mozzarella Poppers with Maple Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella balls (small-sized); Thin-cut bacon; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Toothpicks; Optional: Sprinkle of black pepper or chili flakes

Posted on October 10, 2025

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Imagine biting into a crispy, smoky bacon-wrapped mozzarella ball, perfectly gooey on the inside, and topped off with a sweet and sticky maple glaze. Sounds irresistible, right? These bacon mozzarella poppers are the ultimate party snack that will have everyone hovering around the appetizer table. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to recipe for every gathering!

I first created this recipe for a game night with friends, and let’s just say it was an instant hit. The combination of melty mozzarella, salty bacon, and that touch of maple sweetness is just magic. Plus, they’re bite-sized and easy to pick up, making them perfect for mingling. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need a snack that’s guaranteed to impress, these poppers are the answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation steps, even kitchen novices can whip these up.
Perfect Party Snack: They’re small, portable, and packed with flavor—ideal for potlucks, game nights, or backyard barbecues.
Irresistible Flavor Combo: The salty bacon, creamy mozzarella, and sweet maple glaze create a balance that’s absolutely addictive.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist these cheesy bites.
Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to fit different dietary needs or flavor preferences (more on that later).

What sets this recipe apart is the maple glaze. It’s not overly sweet—just enough to complement the savory bacon and mozzarella without overpowering the flavors. And the texture? Crisp bacon and gooey cheese are practically a match made in heaven. Let’s just say, these poppers are the kind of snack that disappears within minutes of hitting the table.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that deliver big flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mozzarella Balls: Fresh mozzarella works best for its creaminess and meltability. Make sure they’re small-sized for easy wrapping.
Bacon: Thin-cut bacon is ideal for crisping up without overwhelming the mozzarella. Feel free to use turkey bacon if preferred.
Maple Syrup: Look for 100% pure maple syrup for the glaze—it makes all the difference.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich caramel note to the glaze.
Dijon Mustard: Just a touch to balance the sweetness of the glaze with a hint of tang.
Toothpicks: Essential for keeping the bacon wrapped around the mozzarella during cooking.
Sprinkle of black pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

These ingredients are straightforward and likely pantry staples, which means no fancy shopping trips required. Plus, they’re easy to substitute if you need to adjust for dietary needs.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make these poppers, which is another reason I love this recipe. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Sheet Pan: A sturdy baking sheet is perfect for crisping up the bacon and melting the mozzarella.
Wire Rack: Optional, but it helps the bacon cook evenly by allowing air circulation underneath.
Small Saucepan: For preparing the maple glaze.
Toothpicks: Wooden toothpicks work best for securing the bacon around the mozzarella.
Kitchen Tongs: A handy tool for flipping the poppers midway through baking.

If you don’t have a wire rack, don’t worry—just line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. And remember to soak your toothpicks in water before baking to prevent them from burning in the oven!

Preparation Method

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top.
Wrap the mozzarella: Take a small mozzarella ball and wrap it tightly with a half strip of bacon. Secure the bacon with a toothpick.
Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Heat over medium-low until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Bake the poppers: Arrange the bacon-wrapped mozzarella balls on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then flip them over using tongs and brush with the maple glaze. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
Serve: Let the poppers cool for a couple of minutes before serving. Brush with any remaining glaze for extra flavor.

Pro tip: Watch the poppers closely during the last few minutes of baking. Bacon can go from perfectly crispy to overdone quickly, so keep an eye on them!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Choose the Right Bacon: Thin-cut bacon crisps up better and wraps more easily around the mozzarella.
Don’t Overfill: Avoid using oversized mozzarella balls—they’ll leak too much cheese during baking.
Prep Toothpicks: Soak them in water before baking to prevent burning in the oven.
Make the Glaze Ahead: You can prepare the maple glaze up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge.
Serve Warm: These poppers are best served fresh out of the oven when the mozzarella is still gooey.

If you find your bacon isn’t crisping enough, try broiling the poppers for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Variations & Adaptations

Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a sweet and spicy combo.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your Dijon mustard and maple syrup for any additives.
Vegetarian Option: Swap bacon with roasted eggplant strips for a smoky, plant-based twist.
Seasonal Twist: During fall, add a pinch of pumpkin spice to the glaze for a festive flavor.
Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack or cheddar instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. I personally love adding black pepper for a subtle spicy finish!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These poppers are best served warm, straight out of the oven, when the cheese is at its meltiest. Arrange them on a platter with a drizzle of leftover maple glaze for a picture-perfect presentation. Pair them with cocktails or a chilled glass of white wine for a crowd-pleasing combo.

If you have leftovers (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to crisp the bacon back up. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their texture.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these poppers are indulgent, they can fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here’s a quick rundown of the estimated nutritional values per popper:

Calories: 95
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 3g
Sugar: 2g

The mozzarella provides protein and calcium, while bacon adds a dose of flavor. Maple syrup, though a treat, is a natural sweetener compared to processed alternatives. If you’re gluten-free or keto, these poppers are a great option with minimal adjustments!

Conclusion

Bacon mozzarella poppers with maple glaze are more than just a snack—they’re an experience. From the crispy bacon to the gooey cheese and that touch of maple sweetness, every bite is pure joy. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is a must-try.

Don’t be afraid to customize the recipe to suit your taste. Add a spicy kick, swap the cheese, or experiment with different glazes—the possibilities are endless. I’d love to hear how you make these poppers your own!

If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Share your tips, variations, and photos—I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy snacking!

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. Just keep in mind it may not crisp up as much as pork bacon.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from leaking?

Make sure the bacon is tightly wrapped around the mozzarella and secured with a toothpick. You can also freeze the mozzarella balls for 10-15 minutes before wrapping them.

Can I make the poppers ahead of time?

You can assemble them ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake fresh for the best texture and flavor.

What other cheeses can I use?

Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or cheddar for a sharper flavor. Brie also works well if you’re feeling fancy!

Is it possible to make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook them at 375°F for 8-10 minutes in the air fryer, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out crispy and delicious!

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