Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks – Cheesy, Spicy, Gone in a Flash Recipe

Introduction

These Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks combine crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and a spicy kick for a mouthwatering appetizer. Perfectly bold and cheesy, they’re ready in under 30 minutes and sure to disappear quickly at any gathering.

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, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Brush the hot sauce mixture generously over each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick, coating all sides.
5. Step 5: Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns from hot cheese.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra spicy kick, sprinkle additional cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes over the sticks just before serving.
• Use thicker-cut bacon for a meatier bite, but you may need to cook a few minutes longer to achieve crispiness.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cooling contrast to the heat.

Storage

Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bacon.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these in advance?

You can wrap the mozzarella sticks with bacon and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking, but it’s best to bake them fresh for optimal crispiness.

What if the cheese leaks out while cooking?

Wrapping the bacon tightly and securing it with toothpicks helps keep the cheese contained. Baking on parchment paper also makes cleanup easier if some cheese escapes.

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks – Cheesy, Spicy, Gone in a Flash Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 105 reviews

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a deliciously spicy and cheesy appetizer combining crispy bacon, melty mozzarella, and bold Nashville hot sauce flavors. Perfect for game day or a party snack, these bites pack a fiery punch wrapped in savory goodness and bake up quickly in the oven.

• Author: Hannah
• 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 and Bacon

• 8 mozzarella sticks
• 8 slices bacon
• toothpicks

Hot Sauce Mixture

• 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

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
2. Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks: Take each mozzarella stick and wrap a slice of bacon tightly around it, securing the ends with a toothpick to hold the bacon in place during cooking.
3. Prepare the Hot Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to create a spicy, flavorful glaze.
4. Coat the Bacon Wrapped Sticks: Generously brush the hot sauce mixture over each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor.
5. Bake: Arrange the sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy and the mozzarella is melted inside.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the sticks cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns from hot cheese.

Notes

• For an extra kick, sprinkle additional cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes over the sticks right before serving.
• Ensure to use toothpicks to keep the bacon securely wrapped around the mozzarella sticks during baking.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as the cheese tends to harden upon cooling.
• If you prefer less spicy, reduce cayenne pepper or omit it from the hot sauce mixture.

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