If you are craving a bold and irresistibly spicy snack, then you absolutely need to try this Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe. It’s a delicious twist on classic mozzarella sticks that combines juicy beef bacon, melty cheese, and that iconic fiery Nashville hot spice mix. Each bite bursts with smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness, making it perfect for game day, parties, or just treating yourself to something special at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the salty beef bacon to the fiery Nashville hot spice mix, every component comes together to create a show-stopping snack.
- Beef Bacon: Adds a smoky, meaty flavor and a crispy texture when cooked perfectly.
- Mozzarella Sticks: The melty, gooey cheese center that makes this snack irresistible.
- Nashville Hot Spice Mix: A zingy combo of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar to deliver that signature heat and depth.
- Flour: Helps the breading stick and creates a light initial layer for frying.
- Eggs: Acts as the glue for the breading to cling onto the bacon-wrapped sticks.
- Hot Sauce: For drizzling over the finished sticks, boosting the spice and adding moisture.
How to Make Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
Start by freezing your mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes. This quick chill step is crucial because it helps the cheese set firm, preventing it from melting too fast during frying, which means no messy cheese oozing out and perfect melty centers every time.
Step 2: Wrap the Sticks
Once your mozzarella sticks are frozen solid, tightly wrap each one with a slice of beef bacon. Overlap the ends just a little to make sure the bacon doesn’t unravel while cooking. This step ensures that smoky beef bacon flavor coats every bite of cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls for a foolproof breading process. Fill one bowl with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with a mixture of breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) blended with your homemade Nashville hot spice mix. This spicy breading adds crunch and that unmistakable Southern heat.
Step 4: Dredge the Sticks
Dip each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick first into the flour, then coat it with the egg, and finally roll it generously in the spicy breadcrumb mix. Make sure every part of the stick is evenly covered to get that perfect crispy coating with a punch of heat.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to completely submerge the sticks so they cook evenly on all sides. Maintaining the right temperature is key for golden, crispy results without greasy sogginess.
Step 6: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
Carefully place your breaded sticks into the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the fryer so each stick fries evenly. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the bacon is crisp and the breading turns a delicious golden brown.
Step 7: Drain and Season
Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to soak up excess oil. While they’re still piping hot, drizzle with your favorite hot sauce and sprinkle extra Nashville hot spice mix on top to kick up the passion and add a vibrant finishing touch. Your Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions can add a pop of color and freshness that balances the fiery heat. For an extra touch of indulgence, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing complements the spice beautifully without overpowering the bold flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with cooling sides like creamy coleslaw or crunchy pickles to contrast the heat. For a hearty meal vibe, serve alongside crispy French fries or a crisp garden salad for textural balance and variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve your Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces—think smoky barbecue, ranch, and extra hot sauce. Adding toothpicks makes them easy to grab and perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep your mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain optimum flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks before frying. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until the outside is crisp and the cheese is warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bacon soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular pork bacon instead of beef bacon?
Yes! While beef bacon adds a unique smoky flavor, pork bacon works just as well and is often more accessible. Just watch your cooking time as pork bacon can render fat more quickly.
What should I do if the mozzarella cheese leaks during frying?
Freezing the mozzarella sticks before wrapping helps prevent cheese leaks. Also, wrapping the bacon tightly around the cheese and using a proper breading technique creates a secure seal.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can substitute the beef bacon with vegetarian or plant-based bacon options. Keep the rest of the ingredients the same, and you’ll still get that spicy, cheesy delight.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe offers a fiery kick thanks to the cayenne and hot sauce, but you can adjust the heat level by reducing the cayenne pepper or serving with cooling dips like ranch or sour cream.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Baking is an option for a lighter version. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway, until the bacon is crispy. The texture will be slightly different but still tasty.
Final Thoughts
If you love bold flavors and a bit of heat, this Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe is a total game changer. It’s fun, straightforward to make, and perfect for sharing (or not!). Give it a try at your next gathering or just whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly delicious. Your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy and cheesy appetizer featuring gooey mozzarella sticks wrapped in savory beef bacon, coated in a flavorful Nashville hot spice-infused breading, and deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for those who love a fiery twist on classic cheese sticks.
Ingredients
Beef Bacon and Cheese
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 8 slices beef bacon
Breading Station
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers)
- 2 tablespoons Nashville hot spice mix (cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar)
Additional
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to submerge sticks)
- Hot sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Freeze the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm them up, ensuring they maintain shape during frying and prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Wrap the Sticks: Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks and wrap each tightly with one slice of beef bacon. Slightly overlap the ends of the bacon to secure it firmly around the cheese.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Nashville hot spice mix. This will create a spicy, crispy coating.
- Dredge the Sticks: Dip each bacon-wrapped stick first into the flour, coating evenly, then into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the spicy breadcrumb mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Heat the Oil: Preheat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C), enough to completely submerge the mozzarella sticks for even frying.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the breaded sticks in batches to prevent overcrowding, cooking each batch for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Season: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, then immediately drizzle with hot sauce and sprinkle with extra Nashville hot spice mix while still warm.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks prior to wrapping and frying helps prevent the cheese from melting out.
- Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F for optimal crispiness and even cooking.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix to control the heat level.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor; these sticks are best enjoyed hot and fresh.
- Use beef bacon for a different taste; regular pork bacon can be substituted if preferred.
