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
Scale
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.
