Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

These Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate party snack with a bold Southern twist. Melty mozzarella sticks are wrapped in crispy bacon, then brushed with a fiery Nashville-style hot sauce for a smoky, spicy, cheesy bite that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for game day, cookouts, or anytime you want to spice things up!

The first time I made these bacon-wrapped mozz sticks, I was trying to combine my husband’s two favorite things—spicy Nashville chicken and anything wrapped in bacon. My daughter was a little skeptical of the heat, but once she dipped it in ranch, she was all in. They were gone in minutes, and now they’re a must-have at every family get-together or party.

Why You’ll Love Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

•Spicy + Cheesy + Crispy = the ultimate trifecta

•Fun & Easy Appetizer that everyone will talk about

•Customizable Heat Level – adjust the spice to your liking

•Bacon-Wrapped Perfection – no one can say no to that

Ingredients Notes For Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

•Mozzarella Sticks: Frozen works best to prevent early melting

•Thin-Cut Bacon: Cooks up crispy and wraps easily

•Brown Sugar: Balances the spice in the hot glaze

• Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder: For that bold Nashville hot flavor

•Butter: Creates a rich base for the hot glaze

•Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite – classic, cayenne-based sauces work best

•Toothpicks: To hold the bacon in place while baking or frying

Recipe Steps

1. Prep the Mozzarella Sticks: Freeze mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour (if using fresh). This helps them hold their shape when cooked.

2. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap each cheese stick tightly with one slice of bacon. Secure ends with toothpicks if needed.

3. Bake or Air Fry:

•Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until bacon is crispy.

•Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Make Nashville Hot Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and hot sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until thick and smooth.

5. Brush & Serve: Brush the spicy glaze over hot bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days

•Reheat: Crisp back up in the air fryer or oven – not ideal for the microwave

•Freezer: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze before glazing and bake from frozen

Variations & Substitutions

•Mild Version: Reduce or omit cayenne and choose a milder hot sauce

•Add a Crunchy Coating: Wrap in bacon, then roll in crushed crackers before baking

•Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or cheddar sticks for a different flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deep fry these? Yes—just freeze them well and use a splatter guard for the bacon. Fry at 350°F until golden and crisp.

What hot sauce is best? Frank’s RedHot, Crystal, or your favorite cayenne-style sauce.

How do I keep the cheese from oozing out? Freezing the sticks solid before cooking is key, and avoid overbaking.

These Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are smoky, spicy, cheesy bites of pure joy—guaranteed to be the first thing gone at your next gathering! 🧀🥓🔥

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

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Course: Appetizer, Snack

Kitchen: American, Southern-Inspired

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 sticks

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• ▢ 12 slices of thin-cut bacon
• ▢ 1 tablespoon of hot sauce like Frank’s or Louisiana
• ▢ 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• ▢ 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• ▢ 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• ▢ ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon of chili powder
• ▢ ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• ▢ Toothpicks optional, for securing bacon
• ▢ Fresh parsley or ranch dressing for serving optional

Instructions

• Freeze the Cheese:
• Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 30–45 minutes. This helps them keep their shape while cooking.
• Make the Nashville Hot Spice Blend:
• In a small bowl, combine hot sauce, brown sugar, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and black pepper to make a paste.
• Wrap the Cheese Sticks:
• Wrap each mozzarella stick with one slice of bacon, overlapping slightly and tucking in the ends. Use toothpicks to secure if needed.
• Coat with Spice Mix:
• Lightly brush or rub each bacon-wrapped stick with the Nashville hot spice mix until well coated.
• Choose Your Cooking Method:
• Oven Method:
• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top.
• Bake the wrapped sticks for 18–20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and cheese is just starting to melt.
• Air Fryer Method:
• Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
• Place sticks in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).
• Air fry for 10–12 minutes, turning once, until bacon is crisp and cheese is soft.
• Cool Slightly & Serve:
• Let cool for 2–3 minutes to set slightly.
• Serve with ranch, blue cheese dip, or extra hot sauce if you’re feeling bold.