Introduction

Indulge in the fusion of flavors that a Southern classic offers with a twist in these Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks. Crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, each bite packs a spicy punch that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Perfect for game day or as a decadent appetizer, these mozzarella sticks are wrapped in crispy bacon and slathered in a spicy homemade Nashville hot sauce. Prepare to elevate your snacking game with this delightful dish that combines heat, flavor, and a crunchy texture.

Ingredients

12 mozzarella cheese sticks
Mozzarella sticks provide the core ingredient for this recipe, delivering that familiar stretchy, cheesy goodness that pairs wonderfully with the spicy coating.
12 slices of thick-cut bacon
Bacon adds savory depth and crispiness, encasing the cheese sticks to keep the gooey center intact while contributing a smoky richness that contrasts beautifully with the heat.
1 cup all-purpose flour
Flour is essential for creating a sturdy coating around the cheese sticks, ensuring that the flavors and textures meld together during frying while enhancing the overall crunch.
2 large eggs
Eggs act as a binding agent in this recipe. They help the flour coating adhere better to the cheese sticks and contribute to achieving a nice golden color when cooked.
1 cup breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs add an additional layer of crunch to the final product. Using panko can offer extra texture and ensures that each bite is crispy, enhancing the overall experience.
1/4 cup Nashville hot chicken seasoning
This fiery blend is what gives the mozzarella sticks their signature kick. It infuses the dish with deep flavors characteristic of Nashville hot chicken, elevating your snack to something extraordinary.
1/2 cup mayonnaise
Mayonnaise adds richness and creaminess to the sauce. It balances the heat from the seasoning, making every bite a harmonious blend of flavors while keeping the sauce cohesive.
2 tablespoons hot sauce
Hot sauce intensifies the heat level in the dish. Adjusting the quantity allows you to customize the spice to your preference, making it suitable for varying palates.

Directions & Preparation

Step 1: Prepare cheese sticks and bacon.

Start by ensuring your mozzarella sticks are fully frozen, ideally for about 2 hours. This is crucial because it helps them hold their shape during cooking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for the bacon to crisp evenly while cooking.

Step 2: Wrap the cheese sticks in bacon.

Take each frozen mozzarella stick and carefully wrap it with a slice of bacon. The bacon should overlap slightly, ensuring that it fully encases the cheese. This step not only ensures that the cheese doesn't ooze out during frying but also results in perfectly crispy bacon that encases the luscious cheese.

Step 3: Set up a breading station.

In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with Nashville hot chicken seasoning. This setup is critical for an even coating: the flour dries the surface, the egg acts as a glue, and the seasoned breadcrumbs provide flavor and crunch.

Step 4: Bread the bacon-wrapped mozzarella.

First, dip each bacon-wrapped cheese stick in the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each stick is coated thoroughly to achieve a crispy exterior and lock in the cheesiness. It’s important not to skip this step, as the breading is what creates the signature crunch.

Step 5: Fry or bake the mozzarella sticks.

You can choose to fry the sticks for a classic taste or bake them for a lighter option. If frying, heat oil in a deep skillet until hot, then fry the sticks in batches until golden brown. If baking, arrange them on a baking sheet and bake until crispy. This step determines the stick's final texture and flavor, so keep a close watch.

Step 6: Prepare the dipping sauce.

In a bowl, combine mayonnaise with hot sauce. Adjust the hot sauce according to your preferred spice level. This sauce serves as a creamy counterbalance to the heat of the sticks, enhancing the overall eating experience and providing richness.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy.

Once the mozzarella sticks are cooked and crispy, remove them from the oven or fryer and let them sit for a couple of minutes. This waiting period allows the cheese to set slightly. Serve with the dipping sauce and garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoying these shortly after cooking ensures you experience the gooey center and crunchy outside at their finest.

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks step photo

The Perfect Bacon Wrapping Technique

Wrapping the bacon around the cheese sticks might seem simple but requires attention for the best results. The bacon should fully encompass the cheese stick to prevent it from leaking during cooking. Additionally, overlapping the slices slightly not only adds flavor but helps ensure the bacon crisps up nicely. Remember, the goal is to achieve moist cheese inside while the bacon turns irresistibly crispy outside.

Choosing Your Spice Level

Nashville hot seasoning is known for its heat, and the beauty of this dish lies in its customize-ability. Evaluate your curry tolerance and feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning or hot sauce in your dipping sauce. For those who love a milder experience, you can even mix in additional mayonnaise to tone down the heat while maintaining the dish's decadent essence.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd

These Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks can easily steal the spotlight at any gathering. Pair them with fresh cut vegetables, like celery sticks and carrots, for crunch and freshness. Offering a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch or buffalo sauce can also appeal to those with different preferences, making this dish not just delicious but also versatile for entertaining.

FAQs

Why is my bacon not crisping up?

If the bacon is not crisping up, ensure it’s cooked at a high enough temperature and consider using thinner slices or letting them bake longer. You can also drive out excess moisture by using a higher cooking rack in the oven to enhance airflow.

I feel the heat is too much; what can I do?

If the heat level is overbearing, try balancing the spices with more creamy ingredients in your dipping sauce, like sour cream or more mayonnaise. You can also consider reducing the amount of Nashville hot seasoning used on the sticks.

What type of breadcrumbs should I use?

Using panko breadcrumbs is recommended as they provide extra crispiness. However, if you don't have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, though they may not deliver the same level of crunch.

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Certainly! While mozzarella is ideal for its melting properties, you could also experiment with cheeses like pepper jack for additional heat or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

What if my batter is too thick or too thin?

If your batter seems too thick, add a touch more egg to achieve a better consistency. If too thin, incorporate a bit more flour. The right consistency should coat nicely without dripping excessively.

How do I make these less greasy?

To lessen grease, try baking instead of frying them. Opt for a wire rack to elevate the sticks above the surface and allow them to drain excess oil while cooking.

Conclusion

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are not only a treat for the palate but also a fun project for home cooks. The combination of a crunchy exterior and ooey-gooey interior truly sets this dish apart.

Whether enjoyed as part of a casual gathering or as a personal indulgence, these sticks are bound to impress everyone at the table. So gather your ingredients, embrace your inner chef, and enjoy this spicy southern delight.

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