Description
These Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks combine crispy bacon with molten cheese and a fiery Nashville-style spice coating. Perfect for game day or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
12 frozen mozzarella sticks (high-quality brand)
12 thick-cut bacon strips
2 tablespoons Nashville hot sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Cooking spray
Toothpicks (if needed)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Remove mozzarella sticks from freezer and let sit for 2-3 minutes
3. Stretch each bacon strip slightly and wrap tightly around each mozzarella stick
4. Secure with toothpicks if needed to prevent unwrapping
5. In a small bowl, mix melted butter with Nashville hot sauce, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar
6. Brush the Nashville hot mixture generously over each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick
7. Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each stick
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy and cheese begins to melt
9. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving
10. Serve immediately with dipping sauces
Notes
For extra crispy results, use a wire rack on the baking sheet
Can be deep fried at 375°F for 3-4 minutes for crispier texture
Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper
Best served immediately while cheese is still molten
Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before cooking
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg