Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, cheesy snack that combines crispy bacon with melty mozzarella cheese and a kick of bold flavors. Perfect for game day or a flavorful appetizer, these sticks are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 8 mozzarella sticks
• 8 slices bacon
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Toothpicks

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick to hold it in place.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Step 4: Brush the hot sauce mixture generously over each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick, ensuring good coverage.
5. Step 5: Arrange the sticks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, place a wire rack over the baking sheet and bake the sticks on it to allow air flow around the bacon.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or substitute with smoked sweet paprika.
• Try using pepper jack cheese sticks instead of mozzarella for a spicier cheese flavor.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to balance the heat.

Storage

Store leftover bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and bacon crispy again. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap the prepared sticks individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I use if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a small pinch of chipotle powder can work as a substitute to add smoky flavor.

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 89 reviews

These Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, cheesy appetizer featuring crispy bacon wrapped around gooey mozzarella sticks, generously brushed with a flavorful hot sauce blend. Baked to perfection, they offer a perfect combination of heat, smokiness, and creamy texture, making them a crowd-pleasing snack or party treat.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 8 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Sticks

• 8 mozzarella sticks

Bacon

• 8 slices bacon

Hot Sauce Glaze

• 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Other

• toothpicks (for securing bacon)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
2. Wrap mozzarella sticks: Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon. Secure the ends of the bacon with a toothpick to keep it wrapped during baking.
3. Prepare the hot sauce glaze: In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well until fully blended.
4. Brush the sticks: Generously brush the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks with the hot sauce mixture, coating them evenly to ensure maximum flavor.
5. Bake: Arrange the coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese inside has melted.
6. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the mozzarella sticks cool for a few minutes to avoid burns and allow the cheese to set slightly before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute the mozzarella sticks with halloumi or string cheese for variations.
• For extra crispiness, broil the sticks for the last 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the spice level according to your preference.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a creamy contrast to the spicy sticks.
• Be cautious when eating as the melted cheese can be very hot immediately after baking.

Keywords: Nashville hot, bacon wrapped, mozzarella sticks, spicy appetizer, baked cheese sticks