If you're craving a snack that packs a punch of flavor with gooey, melty cheese wrapped in crispy bacon and a kick of spicy heat, you’re going to love this Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe. It’s one of those game-day or party appetizers that’s sure to get everyone reaching for seconds — perfect for casual gatherings or whenever you want a cozy bite that’s both indulgent and addictive. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become a go-to favorite that friends and family adore.
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What Makes This So Good
This Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe hits all the right notes: crispy, gooey, spicy, and savory combined in one irresistible bite. The smoky bacon crisps up perfectly around melty mozzarella, while the Nashville-style spicy sauce adds a vibrant punch without overwhelming you.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: Just a handful of ingredients and a quick oven bake means you can get these on the table anytime with little effort.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the cool cheese surprise wrapped in bacon and spice — everyone’s a winner!
- Simple Ingredients: You'll find everything at your local grocery store — no rare spices or complex prep needed.
- Works Any Night: Whether it’s for game day, date night, or just because, these sticks fit perfectly into any occasion.
Ingredient Guide
Gathering the right ingredients is your first step toward success with this Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe. Let’s talk about how to choose and prep what you need, plus a few swap ideas if you want to personalize.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Use the classic pre-packaged frozen mozzarella sticks — they’re easy to handle and melt perfectly. Look for quality cheese that melts well but holds its shape until the cheese starts to ooze.
- Bacon: Opt for thin-cut bacon so it crisps quickly and wraps snugly around the cheese. Thick-cut is tempting but might take longer to cook through, risking unmelted cheese.
- Hot Sauce: I love Frank's RedHot for its classic tang and moderate heat. Feel free to swap in your favorite hot sauce to dial up or tone down the spice.
- Butter: Unsalted is best here since our spice blend adds plenty of flavor. The butter helps the spicy sauce cling to the bacon and gives a rich mouthfeel.
- Spices: Cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder all add layers, while black pepper rounds out the heat. These pantry staples work together to create that unmistakable Nashville hot flavor.
- Toothpicks: Essential to keep everything wrapped tight — you'll thank me later when your cheese doesn’t escape!
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper — this makes clean-up way easier and helps the bacon crisp up beautifully without sticking. While the oven warms, unwrap your mozzarella sticks and set them aside to thaw slightly if frozen; this will help prevent the cheese from oozing out too fast during cooking.
Take each slice of bacon and wrap it snugly around a mozzarella stick, securing the ends tightly with a toothpick — this step is key to keeping everything intact. Next, prepare your Nashville hot sauce mixture by combining hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders, plus black pepper in a small bowl. This sauce not only spices up the bacon but also adds a gorgeous glossy finish.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Brush that spicy sauce generously over each bacon-wrapped stick — don’t be shy here, as the sauce locks in moisture and punchy flavor. Arrange the sticks spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet so the heat circulates well, encouraging crispness all around.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. As they cook, you’ll notice the bacon edges curling and crisping up, releasing an irresistible, smoky aroma that fills your kitchen. Keep an eye on them during this window; perfect bacon should be golden-brown and crackly without burning, while mozzarella inside transforms into a creamy, stretchy dream.
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Once out of the oven, give your sticks a few minutes to rest — this brief wait allows the cheese to set slightly so you don’t burn your mouth on molten lava (I’ve been there!). You can add a quick sprinkle of extra cayenne or smoked paprika here if you love an extra kick, or fresh herbs like chopped parsley for a fresh contrast.
Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks still in place, and maybe a dipping sauce on the side if you want (ranch or blue cheese are favorites). The crisp bacon, melty cheese, and spicy glaze combine in the perfect bite every time.
Extra Helpful Tips
Making these Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe at home is easier than you think when you know a few insider tricks that I’ve learned through tasty trial and error.
- Watch for This Sign: When the bacon edges start crisping and curling up slightly, that's your cue they're almost done.
- Temperature Trick: Avoid grilling or frying, as baking allows cheese to melt evenly while bacon crisps without flare-ups.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Wrap your sticks up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and bake right before serving.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t skip the toothpicks — they really keep the bacon in place so no messy cheese leaks during baking.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
Spice things up even more by offering a selection of dipping sauces like cool ranch, creamy blue cheese, or a tangy honey mustard. A quick scatter of fresh herbs like cilantro or chopped green onions adds brightness and color, while a light drizzle of a tangy lime crema can balance the heat beautifully. Don’t be afraid to play with texture — crunchy crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds sprinkled on top make fun unexpected twists.
Tasty Pairings
To build a full spread, I love pairing these sticks with crunchy celery sticks or a fresh slaw to cut through the richness. A cold beer or an iced sweet tea balances the spicy heat just right. For a heartier meal, try alongside baked sweet potato fries or a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
Quick Plating Tips
Arrange your sticks in tight rows on a long platter to show off their shiny, sauce-coated bacon. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne, plus a small bowl of dipping sauce in the center or on the side. A fresh wedge of lemon or lime on the plate adds a pop of color and an optional squeeze of brightness.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
You can keep leftover Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. The bacon will remain flavorful but might soften a bit. Reheating properly (more on that below) helps bring back some crispness.
Freezer Friendly?
These do freeze well, but to avoid sogginess, freeze them unbaked in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray first. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, bake straight from frozen, adding extra minutes to cook time. Thawing before baking isn't recommended as cheese can leak out.
Reheat Like New
The oven or air fryer is your best friend for reheating — 350°F for about 8-10 minutes helps crisp the bacon and warm through the cheese without drying it out. Avoid microwaving alone, as that can make bacon rubbery and cheese rubbery or tough. If you must microwave, do it in short bursts and finish crisping in a skillet.
Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Wrap the sticks and apply the sauce, then refrigerate covered up to 24 hours before baking. This can save you time on game day or when hosting guests.
You can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the sauce mixture and choose a milder hot sauce to tame the heat without losing flavor.
Mozzarella melts the best here due to its mild flavor and stretchy texture, but you could experiment with string cheese or even Monterey Jack for a slightly different twist.
Make sure to use toothpicks to secure the bacon tightly and don’t overcook the sticks. Starting with slightly thawed mozzarella sticks also helps control melting.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope you enjoy every crispy, spicy, ooey-gooey bite of this Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe as much as I do! It’s such a fun appetizer that’s easy to make yet feels special. If you try this out, I’d love to hear what you think or if you added a twist of your own. Don’t be shy—share your star rating or a comment below and maybe your own favorite dip combo. Happy munching!
Print📖 Recipe
Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
These Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, crispy appetizer combining gooey melted mozzarella cheese wrapped in smoky bacon and coated with a flavorful Nashville hot sauce blend. Perfect for game day or parties, they deliver a satisfying kick with every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese and Bacon
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 8 slices bacon
Hot Sauce Mixture
- ¼ cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Other
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Wrap Mozzarella Sticks: Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon. Secure the ends with a toothpick to keep the bacon in place during baking.
- Prepare Hot Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat Bacon Wrapped Sticks: Generously brush the hot sauce mixture all over each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick, ensuring they are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Arrange the prepared sticks on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the mozzarella is melted inside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm as a spicy, cheesy appetizer.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and flavor.
- Watch carefully towards the end of baking to prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping if desired.
- To make spicier, add more cayenne or hot sauce to the mixture.
- Ensure toothpicks are removed before eating.
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