Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
A bold and satisfying appetizer combining crispy bacon, gooey melted mozzarella, and a spicy Nashville-style hot glaze. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings, these mozzarella sticks deliver a perfect balance of heat, smoky flavor, and creamy cheese.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- 1 Air fryer or oven For cooking the mozzarella sticks.
- Optional Toothpicks To secure bacon around the cheese sticks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8–12 sticks Fresh mozzarella string cheese Freeze for 30 minutes before wrapping to prevent melting too quickly.
- 8–12 sticks Thick-cut bacon Use turkey bacon or prosciutto as alternatives.
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted) For the Nashville hot glaze.
- 2-3 tbsp Hot sauce Frank’s RedHot is recommended for its balanced heat and flavor.
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper Adjust based on desired spice level.
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika Adds smoky depth to the glaze.
- 1 tsp Garlic powder Enhances savory notes.
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar Adds sweetness to balance the heat.
- 1 tsp Honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness and complexity. Optional
Optional Garnishes
- 2 tbsp Chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness. (Optional)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Recipe
Freeze the Cheese Sticks:
- Place mozzarella string cheese in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from melting too quickly during cooking.
Wrap the Cheese Sticks:
- Wrap each frozen cheese stick tightly with one slice of bacon. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed to hold the bacon in place.
Prepare the Nashville Hot Glaze:
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and optional honey or maple syrup. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or hot sauce as desired.
Brush the Glaze:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or the air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Brush the Nashville hot glaze generously over the wrapped cheese sticks.
Cook the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Oven Method: Arrange the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through to render the bacon fat and achieve a crispy texture.
- Brush additional glaze on the sticks immediately after cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for freshness. Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
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- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the bacon soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked sticks on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, increasing cooking time by 5–10 minutes.
- Customizations: Add jalapeño slices inside the cheese sticks for extra spice. Substitute turkey bacon or prosciutto for a leaner or saltier option.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What ingredients are needed to make hot bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks?
- Fresh mozzarella sticks, thick-cut bacon, butter, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and optional honey. Toothpicks help secure the bacon.
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Can I prepare Nashville hot bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in advance?
- Yes, wrap and freeze the cheese sticks ahead of time. The glaze can also be made in advance. Assemble and cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
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What dipping sauces pair well with spicy mozzarella sticks?
- Cool ranch, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or ketchup work well to balance the heat.
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Are there any variations to the classic Nashville hot bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick recipe?
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner option, or try different cheeses like pepper jack for added spice. Wrapping with prosciutto or stuffing with jalapeños offers alternative flavor profiles.
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How can I adjust the spice level when making bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks?
- Reduce or increase cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the glaze. Start mild and add extra sauce after cooking for controlled heat.
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What is the best way to ensure the mozzarella sticks are crispy when served?
- Freeze the cheese sticks before wrapping, cook at high heat (375–400°F), and flip halfway through cooking. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Tips & Tricks
- Flavor Enhancement: Add a dash of fish sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the glaze for umami depth.
- Presentation: Arrange the sticks on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauces and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for color.
- Leftovers: Transform leftover sticks into a sandwich filling by slicing them and layering with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of ranch dressing.
Plating and Garnishing
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley, cilantro, or green onions over the dish for freshness and visual appeal.
- Serving Style: Serve on a wooden board or platter with small bowls of ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard for dipping. Add fresh vegetables like carrot sticks or celery for crunch.
- Sides: Pair with crisp carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices for a refreshing contrast to the spicy appetizer.