If you’re craving a snack that brings the heat, the crunch, and a gooey cheese surprise all in one bite, this Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe is your new go-to. Perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want to treat yourself, these spicy cheese sticks marry smoky bacon with bold Nashville hot sauce for a truly addictive snack. I love how they balance fiery flavor with a crispy, melty melt-in-your-mouth finish — you’re going to want to make a double batch!
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In the Kitchen
This recipe brings an exciting twist to classic mozzarella sticks by wrapping them in smoky bacon and finishing with a spicy Nashville-style hot sauce glaze. It’s the kind of snack where the texture and flavors play off each other perfectly, making each bite as satisfying as the last.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Wrapping mozzarella in bacon keeps the cheese perfectly melted without leaking out, while the bacon crisps up beautifully.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The Nashville hot sauce glaze caramelizes on the bacon, adding spice and a glossy finish that’s irresistible.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You only need a handful of ingredients, most pantry staples, but the combination packs a punch.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: These sticks come together quickly, making them perfect whether you’re hosting or sneaking a late-night snack.
Ingredients at a Glance
When choosing your ingredients for this Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe, quality matters, but so does simplicity. Fresh, gooey mozzarella sticks paired with thick-cut bacon elevate the texture, while a bold hot sauce blends everything into that signature kick.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Opt for individually wrapped sticks to prevent sticking and ensure even melting.
- Bacon Slices: Choose thick-cut for ideal chewiness and a robust smoky flavor.
- Hot Sauce: A classic medium-heat choice like Frank's RedHot balances spice with a slight tang.
- Butter: Unsalted butter melts easily and rounds out the heat with richness.
- Spices: Cayenne and smoked paprika create that Nashville heat and depth — fresh spices make a difference.
- Toothpicks: Essential for keeping those bacon wraps tight while cooking.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Step 1 — Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to catch drips and help with easy cleanup. This high temperature is crucial—it crisps the bacon perfectly while melting the cheese just right without turning your sticks into a molten mess.
Step 2 — Wrap Mozzarella Sticks with Bacon
Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon, overlapping the ends slightly. Secure the ends with a toothpick placed lengthwise. This keeps everything snug and stops the bacon from unraveling during baking. I find wrapping just once is enough to ensure a good bacon-to-cheese ratio without overpowering the snack.
Step 3 — Mix the Nashville Hot Sauce Glaze
In a small bowl, combine your hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. I like to whisk this mixture until it’s smooth and glossy. This glaze is where the magic happens—it adds that legendary Nashville heat with a buttery richness that complements the smoky bacon perfectly.
Step 4 — Brush and Bake to Perfection
Generously brush each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick with the spicy glaze, making sure every inch is coated for that signature fiery crust. Lay them out on your prepared baking sheet with a little space to breathe. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, keeping a close eye toward the end—the bacon should be nicely crisp, and you’ll notice a toasty red glaze bubbling around the edges.
Step 5 — Cool Slightly, Then Serve
Once out of the oven, let the sticks cool for 3 to 5 minutes. This rest time lets the melted mozzarella thicken just enough so it doesn’t ooze out the moment you grab one. Trust me, this step saves you from the messy cheese escape but keeps everything warm and delicious.
Things to Remember
I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure your Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe always hits the mark. Pay attention to doneness and ingredient freshness, and you’ll consistently wow your friends and family.
- Doneness Cue: Bacon should be crisp and golden; if it looks pale or soft, give it a few more minutes.
- Temperature Trick: Don’t lower the oven temp—high heat ensures proper bacon crisp and cheese melt without drying out.
- Make-Ahead Move: Assemble the sticks and refrigerate them right after wrapping; bake fresh for best texture.
- Common Pitfall: Wrapping bacon too loosely causes bacon to unwrap and cheese to leak—be sure to secure tight with toothpicks.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
A drizzle of extra Nashville hot sauce right before serving turns up the heat and adds a fresh zing. For a cool contrast, a side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing works beautifully and helps balance the spicy richness. I also enjoy sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Plays Well With
Serve alongside crunchy celery sticks or crisp carrot batons to add a refreshing bite. Crispy French fries or a simple green salad make great companions that round out this indulgent snack. These combinations keep the experience balanced and prevent the heat from overwhelming your palate.
Simple Plating Upgrades
Arrange the sticks neatly on a wooden board or colorful platter for party-ready flair. Adding small ramekins of dipping sauces – ranch, honey mustard, or even a cooling yogurt dip – makes it easy for guests to personalize. A few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro sprinkled over the top brighten the look and freshen the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bacon remains relatively crisp, and the cheese stays delightfully gooey when reheated, though a slight firmness on the second day is normal. I like to line the container with parchment paper to absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing Tips
This Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Freeze the assembled and wrapped sticks on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then re-glaze and bake fresh for best texture and flavor.
Reheating Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Without Drying Out
The best way to reheat these sticks is in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes to revive that crisp bacon without drying out the cheese. You can also use an air fryer for 5–7 minutes at the same temp. Microwaving works in a pinch, but watch closely to avoid rubbery cheese—cover loosely and heat in short bursts.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but mozzarella sticks are specially shaped and wrapped for this recipe, and they melt more evenly. If using sliced or shredded mozzarella, freeze portions into sticks shape first to avoid melting issues.
It has a moderate kick from cayenne and hot sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing cayenne or swapping in a milder hot sauce to suit your taste.
Toothpicks keep the bacon securely wrapped during baking, preventing it from unraveling and letting cheese leak out. They’re key to keeping your sticks neatly intact.
Absolutely! Wrap and assemble the sticks then refrigerate. Brush on the sauce and bake right before serving for the freshest, crispiest result.
Final Thoughts
This Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe is a winner whenever spicy, cheesy comfort food cravings hit. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a snack that’s crispy, spicy, smoky, and filled with melty goodness. Whether sharing with friends or sneaking a snack solo, these sticks deliver unbeatable flavor and texture every time. Give them a try—you might just find your next favorite finger food.
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, savory appetizer featuring gooey mozzarella cheese wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a flavorful hot sauce blend. Baked to perfection, these sticks deliver a delicious kick with a smoky, spicy crust that pairs perfectly with cooling dips or enjoyed on their own.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 8 slices bacon
Hot Sauce Coating
- ¼ cup hot sauce such as Frank's RedHot
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Tools
- toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Wrap Mozzarella Sticks: Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it tightly with one slice of bacon. Secure the ends of the bacon with a toothpick to ensure it stays wrapped during baking.
- Prepare Hot Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted unsalted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to create a spicy and flavorful coating.
- Coat Bacon-Wrapped Sticks: Generously brush the hot sauce mixture over each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick, ensuring even coverage on all sides for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Place the coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Bake until the bacon is crispy and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the sticks from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to avoid burning. Serve warm as a spicy appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier bite and better wrapping.
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes after baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
- Make sure to secure the bacon well with toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling while baking.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add a couple of extra minutes to cook time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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