If you are craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors, crispy textures, and melty cheesy goodness, look no further than this Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe. It brilliantly combines spicy Nashville hot sauce with the irresistible combination of smoky bacon and gooey mozzarella, delivering a fiery and satisfying treat that’s perfect for game day, parties, or simply indulging your comfort food cravings. Once you try these, they might just become your new obsession.

The image shows several cheese sticks wrapped tightly in crispy bacon, placed in a metal tray lined with parchment paper. Each cheese stick has a golden-brown crunchy coating on the surface, with bacon strips creating reddish-brown spiral layers around the melted white cheese inside. Small green herb leaves are scattered on top for garnish. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with bright red dipping sauce. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, but each plays a vital role in creating the perfect bite. From the smooth mozzarella sticks to the rich bacon and the punchy hot sauce blend, every element contributes amazing flavor, texture, and that signature spicy kick.

Mozzarella sticks (8): Use good-quality mozzarella sticks for that perfect melty center.
Bacon slices (8): Thin slices work best to wrap neatly and crisp up evenly.
Hot sauce (1/4 cup): Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice for authentic Nashville heat.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, melted): Adds richness and helps mellow the spice while providing a luscious coating.
Cayenne pepper (1 tsp): Cranks up the heat and complements the smoked paprika beautifully.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Infuses a subtle smokiness that enhances the bacon and hot sauce flavors.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Balances the spices with a gentle sweetness.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): A little bit of sharpness to round out the seasoning.
Toothpicks: Essential to keep those bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks securely intact while baking.

How to Make Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Setting a hot oven ensures your bacon crisps perfectly without overcooking the cheese inside.

Step 2: Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks with Bacon

Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it tightly with one slice of bacon. Use a toothpick to secure the ends so the bacon stays in place during baking. This step is key to achieving that beautiful bacon crust enveloping the gooey cheese.

Step 3: Mix the Nashville Hot Sauce Coating

In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This vibrant mixture is the heart of the Nashville hot flavor, perfectly marrying heat and smokiness.

Step 4: Brush the Bacon-Wrapped Sticks

Generously brush the spicy sauce mixture all over each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick. Don’t hold back—this coating will create that signature Nashville hot glaze, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 5: Bake Until Crispy and Gooey

Arrange the sticks on your prepared baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, but don’t be afraid to let the edges get nice and crunchy.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This waiting time helps the cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t ooze out immediately when you bite in. Then get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that beautifully balances the bold and spicy flavor. For extra flair, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side is always a crowd-pleaser.

Side Dishes

These sticks shine best alongside crunchy veggie sticks like celery and carrots, which cool the palate. Pairing with classic sides like coleslaw or potato wedges also complements the smoky, spicy theme perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party appetizer, stand the sticks upright in a tall glass or mason jar with some dipping sauce at the bottom. You can also skewer a few together for easy grabbing, making them perfect finger foods that will disappear quickly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze the wrapped sticks before baking by placing them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sticks on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and the bacon re-crisps. Avoid microwaving to prevent the bacon from becoming chewy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its meltiness and mild flavor, cheeses like Monterey Jack or even pepper jack add a delicious twist. Just be mindful of melting qualities to prevent leakage during baking.

Is it necessary to use toothpicks?

Yes, toothpicks are essential to keep the bacon securely wrapped around the mozzarella sticks when baking. Without them, the bacon may unwrap, resulting in uneven cooking and loss of that signature look.

How spicy is this Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe?

The heat level is moderate to high depending on the hot sauce and cayenne pepper used. You can adjust the cayenne amount for a milder experience or amp it up to impress those who love a serious kick.

Can I make these vegan or vegetarian?

You can make a vegetarian version by using plant-based bacon and vegan mozzarella sticks. The spicy sauce remains the same, offering that Nashville hot punch without compromising on flavor.

What dipping sauces work best with these sticks?

Cooling dips like ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a creamy garlic aioli complement the spicy richness brilliantly. For a fun twist, try a honey mustard or a simple sour cream dip to tame the heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about the Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe that brings comfort and spice together in one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re feeding friends or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress and become a beloved staple. Take the plunge and whip up a batch – your taste buds will be sending thank-you notes!

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe