Indulge in Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Today!

Prepare to have your taste buds set ablaze with the irresistible combination of Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks! This mouthwatering appetizer, inspired by the spicy flavors of Nashville hot chicken, is a guaranteed showstopper at any party or game day gathering. With gooey, melted mozzarella wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a fiery hot sauce mixture, these sticks are the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and downright delicious.

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Ingredients for Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

To whip up a batch of these addictive Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks, you’ll need just a few simple 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

How to Make Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Ready to bring the heat? Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for creating these mouthwatering Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks:

Make the Hot Sauce Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Set this flavorful mixture aside, as you’ll be using it to coat the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks.

Wrap the Mozzarella

Tightly wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon. Secure the ends with a toothpick if needed, to ensure the bacon stays in place.

Brush with the Sauce

Lightly brush the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks with the hot sauce mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly.

Air Fry or Bake

For the air fryer method, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the bacon-wrapped sticks in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is just starting to melt.

If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 425°F. Place the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the bacon is perfectly crispy.

Cool and Serve

Allow the Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. These fiery, cheesy bites are perfect for dipping in ranch or extra hot sauce for even more flavor and heat.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks

To ensure your Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks turn out absolutely mouthwatering, here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Choose the right mozzarella: Opt for fresh, high-quality mozzarella sticks for optimal texture and flavor.
• Crispy bacon is key: Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy for the best contrast against the melted cheese.
• Adjust cooking times: Keep a close eye on your sticks, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer or oven. The key is to cook them until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is just starting to melt.
• Don’t overload the air fryer: Cook the sticks in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks make for an incredible appetizer or game day snack. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or even more of the fiery hot sauce mixture. They also pair perfectly with refreshing beverages like ice-cold beer or crisp white wine to help tame the heat.

For a heartier meal, try serving the Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks alongside a fresh salad or some crispy fries for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Variations on Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

While the classic Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are an absolute crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe:

• Cheese alternatives: Swap out the mozzarella for other melty cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Bacon alternatives: Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for a healthier twist.
• Spice it up: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for an even fierier kick.
• Vegetarian option: For a meat-free version, try wrapping firm tofu or plant-based cheese sticks in the bacon and coating them with the hot sauce mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to keep mozzarella sticks from getting soggy?

To prevent your Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks from getting soggy, make sure to cook them until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is just starting to melt. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer or baking sheet, as this can lead to steaming and sogginess. Additionally, let the sticks rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.

Are the Nashville hot mozzarella sticks really spicy?

Yes, these Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks have a nice kick of heat thanks to the cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the coating. The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your personal preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne and hot sauce used.

How to make mozzarella sticks not explode?

To prevent your mozzarella sticks from exploding, be sure to use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and wrap them tightly in the bacon. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed. Additionally, avoid overcooking the sticks, as this can cause the cheese to burst out. Keep a close eye on them and remove from the heat as soon as the bacon is crispy and the cheese is just starting to melt.

How to reheat mozzarella sticks so they are crispy?

To reheat your Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks while maintaining their crispy texture, pop them back in the air fryer or oven. For the air fryer, reheat at 400°F for 2-3 minutes. In the oven, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and the bacon is crisp once again.

Conclusion

Prepare to impress your guests with the irresistible combination of melted mozzarella, crispy bacon, and fiery Nashville-inspired heat in these Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a game day snack, these flavor-packed bites are sure to be the star of the show. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to experience the ultimate in cheesy, spicy deliciousness!

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
• Cream Cheese and Cheddar Jalapeño Poppers
• Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Mushrooms
• Cheesy Bacon Wrapped BBQ Meatballs

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