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Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks served with dipping sauce

Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy, smoky bacon wrapped around gooey mozzarella sticks, seasoned with Nashville hot sauce for an addictive kick.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 6 appetizers
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 12 sticks Mozzarella sticks (frozen or fresh) Good-quality pizza or snack mozzarella sticks are recommended.
  • 12 slices Bacon (thick-cut recommended) Choose center-cut or applewood-smoked for different flavors.
  • 0.5 cup Nashville hot sauce (store-bought or homemade) A proper Nashville hot profile with cayenne heat is ideal.
  • 0.5 cup All-purpose flour For dusting the mozzarella sticks before breading.
  • 2 large Eggs (beaten) Used for binding breadcrumbs.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs (panko or mixed) Panko gives the crispiest shell.
  • 1 teaspoon Cayenne For spicing up the breadcrumbs.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika For an extra layer of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Adds flavor to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt To taste.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper To taste.
  • 2 cups Oil for frying Use neutral oil with a high smoke point.
  • 12 pieces Toothpicks (optional) For securing bacon, if needed.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pour enough oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven so the sticks can float (about 2–3 inches). Heat the oil to 350–365°F (175–185°C).
  • Wrap each mozzarella stick tightly with one slice of bacon, overlapping slightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  • Chill wrapped sticks on a baking sheet for 10–15 minutes before breading.
  • Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with spices in separate bowls.

Cooking

  • Dredge each bacon-wrapped stick in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, and press into the breadcrumb-spice mix to coat thoroughly.
  • Fry the sticks in batches for 2–4 minutes until the bacon is golden and crispy.
  • Transfer fried sticks to a wire rack to drain.
  • Toss fried sticks in Nashville hot sauce to coat.
  • Serve immediately on a platter.

Notes

Best eaten within 5–10 minutes of frying. For storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keyword appetizer, Bacon Wrapped, Game Day Snack, Mozzarella Sticks, Nashville Hot