Place the unwrapped mozzarella sticks onto a tray; for smaller servings, slice each stick in half. Freeze the cheese sticks for no less than 1 hour to prevent them from melting prematurely during cooking.
Prepare three shallow dishes for coating: one filled with flour, one containing the beaten eggs, and the third holding the breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and, if using, dried parsley.
Individually dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, ensuring a light, even dusting. Submerge in the egg mixture, then roll thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs. For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps a second time.
Tightly spiral a bacon slice around each breaded cheese stick, overlapping slightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the bacon in place during frying.
In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat approximately 1 inch of oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower several prepared sticks into the hot oil and fry in batches. Rotate them as necessary to achieve uniform browning. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and golden.
Remove from the oil with tongs and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Allow to cool briefly before serving to prevent burns from the molten cheese interior.