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
- 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
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.
