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Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Name: Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 mozzarella sticks; 8 slices of bacon; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon Nashville Hot seasoning; Salt to taste; Oil for frying

If you love bold, spicy flavors and crave an appetizer that balances melty cheese, smoky bacon, and a serious kick, these Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks deliver. Pair them with a creamy dip for contrast—try them alongside a hot smoked gouda beef bacon dip for a truly decadent spread.

Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of the same old mozzarella sticks, this recipe is perfect because it adds smoky bacon and Nashville Hot spice for an irresistible crunch and heat that plays beautifully with melted cheese.

Ingredients

16 mozzarella sticks
8 slices of bacon
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Nashville Hot seasoning
Salt to taste
Oil for frying

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Overview of the technique
This recipe is a combination of wrapping, breading, and quick deep-frying. The bacon provides smoke and structure, the breading gives a crunchy exterior that holds the melty cheese, and the Nashville Hot seasoning introduces that signature cayenne-and-spice heat. Timing and temperature are key to preventing cheese leakage and ensuring bacon is cooked through.

Prep and tricks before you start

Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30–60 minutes before wrapping. This helps them hold shape while being breaded and fried.
Partially cook bacon if you prefer it crisper; otherwise, raw bacon will cook through during frying but may result in a slightly chewier bite.
Use toothpicks to secure the bacon ends; soak them briefly in water if you plan to bake instead of frying (helps prevent burning if baking).

Detailed steps

Prepare ingredients and workstation
- Remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer when ready so they’re firm. Lay out your bacon slices so they’re easy to grab.
- Arrange three shallow bowls for the breading station: flour seasoned with a pinch of salt in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs combined with 1 teaspoon Nashville Hot seasoning in the third.
Wrap the mozzarella sticks
- Wrap each frozen mozzarella stick with half a slice of bacon (two halves per cheese stick is common), tucking the ends under to secure. Use a toothpick to fasten the bacon where it overlaps. Working with frozen cheese makes this much easier and reduces melting risk.
Bread the bacon-wrapped sticks
- Dredge each bacon-wrapped stick in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring even coating.
- Roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs so the entire surface is covered. For extra crunch, press the breadcrumbs into the surface gently.
Rest briefly
- Place breaded sticks on a tray and pop them back into the freezer for 10–15 minutes if the cheese has softened. This short rest tightens everything up and reduces the chance of cheese oozing out the moment they hit hot oil.
Heat the oil
- Fill a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer with enough oil to submerge most of the sticks (about 2–3 inches) and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy—temperature control is crucial: too hot and the bacon will burn before the cheese melts; too cool and the breading becomes greasy.
Fry in batches
- Fry the sticks in small batches—3–4 at a time—so the oil temperature remains steady. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per batch, or until the breadcrumb coating is golden brown and bacon looks cooked. Turn gently if needed to brown evenly.
Drain and rest
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Let them sit for a minute before serving so the cheese sets slightly; they’ll still be molten inside but less likely to run out immediately.
Serve hot
- Arrange on a platter and serve with your favorite dips: ranch, blue cheese dressing, spicy mayo, or a cooling buttermilk dip. They’re best eaten hot and fresh for the contrasting textures—crispy exterior and molten interior—at their prime.

Notes on timing and safety

Use a deep-fry thermometer and don’t overcrowd the fryer. Temperature drops cause greasier results.
Handle toothpicks carefully when serving—either remove before eating or instruct guests to pull them out.
If you prefer baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a wire rack over a sheet pan for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, though frying yields the crispiest result.

Best Way to Store Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days at 40°F (4°C). Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven until heated through (about 8–10 minutes) to regain crispness.
Freezer: Freeze on a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month at 0°F (-18°C). Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20–25 minutes; expect a slightly different texture than fresh-fried.
Note: Do not store at room temperature longer than 2 hours to avoid food safety risks.

Serving Suggestions for Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Create a sharing platter: serve the sticks with small bowls of ranch, spicy honey, and blue cheese to let guests mix heat and coolness.
Pair them with crisp, refreshing sides like celery sticks, pickled jalapeños, or a citrusy slaw to cut through the richness.
For a party, include a few milder cheese options or plain bacon-wrapped sticks to accommodate less heat-tolerant guests.

Tips to make Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Q: How do I keep the cheese from leaking out during frying?
A: Freeze the mozzarella sticks before wrapping and again briefly after breading; this firms the cheese and gives the coating time to set.

Q: Can I use turkey bacon or prosciutto?
A: Turkey bacon is leaner and can work but may dry out faster; prosciutto will be saltier and thinner—wrap more tightly and watch cooking time.

Q: How can I make the coating extra crispy?
A: Use panko breadcrumbs or a mixture of panko and regular breadcrumbs and press the crumbs into the surface firmly before frying.

Variations

Spicy-sweet glaze: After frying, toss the sticks lightly in a glaze made from Nashville Hot seasoning mixed with honey for a sticky, sweet-heat finish.
Cheese swap: Replace mozzarella with pepper jack or smoked provolone for bolder flavor. Note that softer cheeses may need longer freezing times to hold shape when breading and frying.

FAQs

Q: How long do I freeze the cheese sticks before wrapping?
A: Freeze for at least 30–60 minutes; if using very soft cheese, freeze up to 90 minutes. You want them firm but not rock hard.

Q: Can these be air-fried?
A: Yes. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook in a single layer for about 8–10 minutes, checking at the 6-minute mark. Turn halfway for even browning. The texture will be a bit different from deep-frying—less oily but still satisfying.

Q: What dipping sauces go best with Nashville Hot flavor?
A: Creamy dips like ranch, blue cheese, or a garlic-herb aioli work well to temper the heat. Sweet options like honey mustard or a maple-spiked dip create a nice contrast.

Q: Are toothpicks required?
A: They’re highly recommended to keep the bacon wrapped securely, especially during frying. Remove before serving to kids or very young guests.

Q: How do I keep the bacon from separating while frying?
A: Make sure the bacon overlaps the cheese adequately and is secured with a toothpick. If needed, use a half-slice or a full slice of bacon depending on the thickness and circumference of your mozzarella stick.

More technique tips and troubleshooting

If you notice cheese oozing from the ends, next time try tucking the ends of the bacon under the stick more securely or using a slightly longer bacon slice.
If the bacon is browning too fast, reduce oil temperature slightly and fry a few seconds longer so the interior heats through. Conversely, if the bacon is underdone and coating is golden, increase temperature by a few degrees and fry in shorter bursts.

How to incorporate this appetizer into a menu

Game-day spread: These sticks are showstoppers for game-day parties. Arrange them on skewers alongside pickles and mini sliders to create a hearty finger-food table.
Dinner starter: Serve two per person with a small green salad to balance richness.
Family-friendly option: Offer a milder version without Nashville Hot seasoning for kids and place the spicy sauce on the side for adults.

Make-ahead and party prep

Prepare and bread the sticks a few hours ahead, keep them refrigerated on a tray covered with plastic wrap, and fry them right before guests arrive for peak crispiness.
Alternatively, freeze breaded sticks ahead of time and fry or bake straight from the freezer when ready to serve—this shortens party-day prep.

Final notes on flavor balance
Nashville Hot is about more than just heat — it’s the combination of cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic, and a touch of sweetness that creates depth. The bacon adds smoke and saltiness while the cheese adds creaminess and stretch. The best bites come from balancing these elements: crisp coating, smoky bacon bite, warming heat from the seasoning, and a cooling dip to finish.

Conclusion

For a detailed riff on a similar flavor profile and inspiration, see this playful take on Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks from NorthEast Nosh: Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks – NorthEast Nosh.
If you’re hunting for rave-worthy appetizer recipes and creative variations, you might also enjoy this enthusiastic write-up that declares a similar dish “the best I’ve ever made”: This could be the best I’ve ever made this dish—it’s so good!

Enjoy serving these at your next gathering — they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.