Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Freezing helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow grease to drip away.

Lay out the bacon slices on a cutting board. Sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

Wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each frozen mozzarella stick, starting at one end and slightly overlapping as you go. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack, spacing them evenly.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, then flip using tongs. Continue baking for another 10–12 minutes until the bacon is crispy and golden.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with parsley or chili flakes if desired.