Description
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.
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoon 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
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Lightly brush the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks with the hot sauce mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg