Name: Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489907H34M27S
Total time: PT-489907H34M27S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 mozzarella sticks; 8 slices of bacon; 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot); 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Toothpicks for securing bacon

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Introduction

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, cheesy appetizer that’s sure to impress. Crispy bacon pairs perfectly with gooey melted mozzarella, all coated in a flavorful hot sauce blend. They’re easy to make and ideal for game day or a fun party snack.

The image shows several bacon-wrapped cheese sticks arranged in rows on a metal baking tray. Each stick has a white cheese core tightly wrapped in crispy, browned bacon with a slightly spicy, reddish seasoning coating the bacon. The cheese slightly peeks out from both ends of each stick. The baking tray surface has some glistening oil and crispy bits from cooking, giving a textured and flavorful look. The background is blurred with soft warm lighting and a white marbled surface under the tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 mozzarella sticks
8 slices of bacon
1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toothpicks

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon, securing the ends with a toothpick to hold it in place.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir well to blend.
Step 4: Generously brush the hot sauce mixture over each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 5: Arrange the sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns from hot cheese.

Tips & Variations

Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and flavor, but you may need to increase baking time slightly.
For milder heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or use a milder hot sauce in the sauce mixture.
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to balance the spicy kick.
Try adding a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bacon soggy and the cheese rubbery.

How to Serve

Several cooked bacon-wrapped cheese sticks lie on a baking tray. Each stick has one layer of white melted cheese on the inside, covered by a layer of crispy, brown bacon with seasoning on the outside. The cheese peeks out from the ends of the bacon wrap, showing its soft texture. The baking tray is dark and shiny with oil stains and crispy bits around the sticks. The tray rests on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks ahead and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking. However, baking fresh yields the crispiest bacon and best melted cheese texture.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While mozzarella sticks work best for their melting quality, you can try similar cheeses like string cheese or mild provolone. Avoid cheeses that don’t melt well or have strong flavors that overpower the hot sauce.