Ultimate Nashville Hot Bacon Mozzarella Sticks

If you love bold flavors, crispy textures, and gooey cheese pulls, then you’re in for a treat! These Ultimate Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are everything you didn’t know you needed in a snack or appetizer. Imagine smoky, crispy bacon hugging melty mozzarella cheese, all coated in a spicy Nashville-inspired batter. It’s indulgent, fiery, and ridiculously good. Whether you’re hosting game night, craving a late-night snack, or just looking for a fun twist on classic mozzarella sticks, this recipe is a must-try!

I’ve got to tell you, the first time I made these, they were gone before I could even sit down. The combination of spicy heat, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese is absolutely irresistible. Plus, I’ve added some tips and tricks to make the process as smooth as possible. So let’s dive right into this mouthwatering recipe!

The Story Behind Nashville Hot Bacon Mozzarella Sticks

Nashville hot chicken is famous for its fiery seasoning and crispy exterior, and it’s a flavor profile that has taken the food world by storm. Originally created in Nashville, Tennessee, this style of spicy fried chicken became a cultural staple, known for its lip-tingling heat and incredible depth of flavor.

When I visited Nashville a few years ago, I couldn’t get enough of the hot chicken. It wasn’t just the heat—it was the blend of spices and the perfect balance of sweet and savory. That experience stuck with me, and I knew I wanted to incorporate those flavors into something unique. Enter: bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks.

There’s something magical about combining smoky bacon with gooey cheese, and adding a layer of Nashville hot spice just takes it to the next level. These aren’t your average mozzarella sticks—they’re a bold, spicy, and totally indulgent twist on a classic. They’re perfect for any occasion, but honestly, they’re so good they might just steal the show at your next party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the ingredients for these amazing bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks. Each one plays a key role in making this dish a flavor-packed masterpiece.

• String Cheese: The star of the show! String cheese works perfectly for mozzarella sticks because it holds its shape while melting beautifully. If you can’t find string cheese, you can cut a block of mozzarella into sticks.
• Bacon: Thin-sliced bacon wraps around the cheese and crisps up beautifully. Avoid thick-cut bacon, as it takes longer to cook and might not crisp up as well.
• Hot Sauce: Adds that Nashville-style heat. I like using cayenne-forward hot sauces like Frank’s RedHot, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
• Flour: A light dusting of flour gives the egg wash something to cling to.
• Eggs: Whisked eggs act as the glue for the breadcrumbs and seasoning.
• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create an extra crispy coating. You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs if needed, but panko is highly recommended.
• Spices: A mix of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar captures the essence of Nashville hot seasoning.
• Oil for Frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.

Tip: Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start assembling. It makes the process much easier!

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s a quick rundown of the tools you’ll need to make these mozzarella sticks:

• Skillet or Deep Fryer: For frying the mozzarella sticks. A heavy-bottomed skillet works great if you don’t have a deep fryer.
• Toothpicks: These help secure the bacon around the cheese while frying.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few bowls for the flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture.
• Tongs: For flipping the mozzarella sticks and safely removing them from the hot oil.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil after frying.

If you don’t have a deep fryer, don’t worry! A heavy-bottomed skillet and a thermometer will do the trick just fine. And don’t forget to keep those toothpicks handy—they’re essential for keeping the bacon in place.

How to Make Nashville Hot Bacon Mozzarella Sticks

1. Prep the Cheese: Unwrap the string cheese and set it aside. Pat each piece dry with a paper towel to help the bacon stick better.
2. Wrap the Cheese: Take a slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each piece of string cheese, securing the ends with a toothpick.
3. Chill: Place the wrapped cheese sticks in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This helps the cheese stay intact while frying.
4. Set Up Your Breading Station: In one bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with a splash of hot sauce. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
5. Coat the Sticks: Roll each bacon-wrapped cheese stick in flour, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they stick.
6. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry: Carefully place the mozzarella sticks in the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
8. Drain: Remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. Serve: Let the sticks cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to ensure even frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to make sure your mozzarella sticks turn out perfectly every time:

• Freezing is Key: Don’t skip the step of freezing the sticks before frying. It keeps the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
• Use Thin Bacon: Thin slices cook faster and crisp up better, giving you that perfect crunchy texture.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat. You can also add a pinch of chili powder for extra depth.
• Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and they’ll burn; too cool, and they’ll absorb too much oil.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
• Milder Version: Reduce the cayenne pepper and skip the hot sauce for a more kid-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use seasoned breadcrumbs for a flavorful coating.
• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

I once tried adding a drizzle of honey over the finished sticks for a sweet-and-spicy combo, and it was incredible!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These mozzarella sticks are best served hot and crispy, straight out of the fryer. Pair them with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or even a cool cucumber yogurt sauce to balance the heat. If you’re hosting a party, serve them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking.

To store any leftovers (if there are any!), place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to crisp them back up.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these mozzarella sticks are definitely an indulgent treat, they do offer some protein thanks to the cheese and bacon. Each stick is approximately 180 calories, with 10g of protein and 8g of fat. Be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your intake, but hey—it’s okay to indulge every once in a while!

Conclusion

If you’re craving something bold, cheesy, and undeniably delicious, these Ultimate Nashville Hot Bacon Mozzarella Sticks are the answer. They’re a fun and creative twist on the classic mozzarella stick, packed with smoky, spicy flavor that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making them for a party, a family get-together, or just because, they’re guaranteed to impress.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe! Did you add your own twist? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your creations on social media. Happy cooking!

FAQs: Nashville Hot Bacon Mozzarella Sticks

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the sticks on a baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What dipping sauces pair well with these mozzarella sticks?

Ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a cooling yogurt sauce are excellent choices. For extra heat, try a spicy aioli or sriracha mayo!

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and freeze the sticks, then fry them directly from frozen when you’re ready to serve.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce for a milder version. You can also omit the hot spices altogether for a kid-friendly option.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) to restore their crispy texture.

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