Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks combine the creamy indulgence of melted mozzarella with crispy bacon and the bold, spicy flavors of Nashville hot seasoning. This fusion appetizer takes the beloved mozzarella stick to new heights by wrapping it in savory bacon and coating it with a signature spice blend that delivers that famous Nashville heat. Perfect for game days, parties, or anytime you crave a mouthwatering, spicy treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of melted cheese, crispy bacon, and spicy seasoning creates an irresistible flavor explosion
• Simple to prepare with just a handful of common ingredients
• Can be prepped ahead of time for easy entertaining
• Customizable heat level to suit your spice preference
• Makes a show-stopping appetizer that will impress your guests

Ingredients

• Mozzarella Sticks: Use string cheese or block mozzarella cut into sticks. For best melting results, use whole milk mozzarella rather than part-skim.
• Bacon: Choose regular-cut bacon (not thick-cut) for easier wrapping and quicker crisping. Center-cut bacon works well as it has a good meat-to-fat ratio.
• Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is recommended, but Louisiana-style hot sauce or Tabasco also works well for that authentic Nashville flavor.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness, as bacon already adds salt to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: This provides the signature Nashville hot heat. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a deep smoky flavor that complements the bacon. Spanish smoked paprika (pimentón) offers the best flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Provides savory depth to the spice mixture. Use fresh garlic powder for maximum flavor.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the heat. Make sure it’s fresh and not clumped.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor and aroma.

Variations

Sweet and Spicy Version

Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or brown sugar to the spice mixture for a sweet heat variation. The sweetness will caramelize slightly during baking and create a delicious contrast to the spicy elements.

BBQ Nashville Hot

Replace half of the hot sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet-spicy combination. This variation works particularly well with hickory or mesquite-flavored BBQ sauce to complement the bacon.

Jalapeño Popper Mash-Up

Before wrapping the mozzarella sticks with bacon, press a thin slice of jalapeño against each cheese stick. This adds an extra layer of heat and flavor, similar to a jalapeño popper experience.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella and Bacon

Carefully unwrap your mozzarella sticks and keep them cold until ready to use. Take each slice of bacon and gently stretch it slightly (this helps it wrap more easily). Wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling down to the other end, making sure to slightly overlap the bacon as you wrap. Secure both ends with toothpicks to prevent the bacon from unwrapping during baking.

Step 2: Create the Nashville Hot Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter until well combined. Add the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, stirring until you have a smooth, uniform sauce. The mixture should be thick enough to brush onto the bacon but not so thick that it won’t spread easily.

Step 3: Season and Bake

Using a basting brush, generously coat each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick with the Nashville hot mixture, ensuring all sides are covered. Place the prepared sticks on your parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to ensure the cheese doesn’t burst through the bacon. The sticks are done when the bacon is crispy and the cheese is soft but not completely oozing out.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Keep the mozzarella sticks in the refrigerator until right before wrapping to prevent premature melting during baking
• For extra insurance against cheese leakage, freeze the wrapped sticks for 15-20 minutes before baking
• Use parchment paper rather than foil to prevent sticking
• For crispier bacon, place the sticks on a wire rack over the baking sheet so the heat circulates all around
• Brush additional Nashville hot sauce mixture on the sticks halfway through cooking for an extra flavor boost
• If your bacon isn’t crisping up enough, switch to the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes (watching carefully to prevent burning)

How to Serve

These Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are best served hot from the oven after allowing them to cool for just a few minutes. Remove the toothpicks before serving (or warn guests if they remain). Serve on a platter with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing to provide a cooling contrast to the spicy coating. For a complete appetizer spread, pair with fresh vegetable sticks, celery and carrot sticks work particularly well to balance the richness of the cheese and bacon. These sticks also make a great accompaniment to a cold beer or a classic southern sweet tea.

Make Ahead

You can prepare these mozzarella sticks up to 24 hours in advance by wrapping the cheese with bacon and securing with toothpicks. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Wait to apply the Nashville hot mixture until right before baking for the freshest flavor. Alternatively, you can fully prepare and then freeze the unbaked sticks for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, apply the spice mixture, and bake according to the recipe, adding 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use different cheese for this recipe?

Yes, while mozzarella is traditional and melts beautifully, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack. Keep in mind that different cheeses melt at different rates, so you may need to adjust your cooking time.

How can I make these less spicy but still flavorful?

Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper by half and increase the smoked paprika. You can also substitute a milder hot sauce or use a mixture of BBQ sauce and hot sauce for less heat but plenty of flavor.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, checking frequently to prevent cheese from exploding. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Why did my cheese leak out during baking?

This typically happens if the bacon wrapping isn’t tight enough or if the oven temperature is too high. Try securing the bacon more tightly with additional toothpicks, freezing the wrapped sticks before baking, or reducing your oven temperature slightly and cooking for a longer time.

Conclusion

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks represent the perfect fusion of creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and bold, spicy flavors. This crowd-pleasing appetizer brings the famous Nashville heat to a beloved classic, creating a memorable treat that’s sure to disappear quickly at your next gathering. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can easily recreate this restaurant-quality appetizer at home. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, looking for a show-stopping starter, or simply craving something indulgent, these spicy mozzarella sticks deliver big on flavor and satisfaction. Give them a try and watch them become a requested favorite!

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