If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect snack that combines fiery heat, irresistible cheesiness, and savory bacon goodness, then you have to try this Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe. This dish takes the classic mozzarella stick and elevates it with a smoky, spicy Nashville twist wrapped around tender beef bacon for the ultimate flavor explosion. Whether you’re entertaining friends, craving a hearty appetizer, or looking for a snack that delivers big on taste and texture, this recipe has got your cravings covered with every crispy, gooey bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe plays a vital role, creating a perfect balance of spice, crunch, and melty goodness. From the bold Nashville hot spice mix to the rich beef bacon, these simple ingredients come together to make something truly special and flavorful.
- Beef Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory wrapper that crisps beautifully and pairs perfectly with melty cheese.
- Mozzarella Sticks: The cheesy, melty center that everyone loves—make sure to freeze before wrapping!
- Nashville Hot Spice Mix: A fiery blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar to give that iconic Tennessee heat.
- Flour: Helps the breading adhere and gives a nice base layer for crispiness.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder for the breading, ensuring an even, crunchy coating.
- Hot Sauce: Adds an extra kick and keeps the flavor lively right as they come out of the fryer.
- Breadcrumbs or Crushed Crackers: Provides the signature crunch in the breading, holding in the spicy flavors.
How to Make Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
Start by freezing your mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes. This step is a game-changer because it keeps the cheese from melting too quickly in the fryer, helping each stick keep its shape and texture perfectly.
Step 2: Wrap the Sticks
Once the mozzarella sticks are firm from the freeze, tightly wrap each one with a slice of beef bacon. Make sure the bacon slightly overlaps to ensure even cooking and secure coverage—this smoky beef bacon brings the deep flavor foundation that makes this recipe shine.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) combined with your homemade Nashville hot spice mix. This sequence builds layers of texture and flavor that turn ordinary sticks into crave-worthy bites.
Step 4: Dredge the Sticks
Take each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick and dip it first in flour, then in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with the spicy breadcrumb mixture. This triple coating locks in moisture and ensures a crispy exterior that highlights that terrific Nashville heat.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a deep fryer or large pot, heat enough oil to fully submerge the sticks to 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature means the sticks fry evenly without absorbing too much grease, delivering that golden crunch we all look for.
Step 6: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
Carefully lower the breaded sticks into the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until the coating is a stunning golden brown and perfectly crispy. This step seals in all the flavors while giving you that exceptional texture.
Step 7: Drain and Season
Remove the sticks from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While they’re still piping hot, drizzle them generously with hot sauce and sprinkle on some additional Nashville hot spice mix for an extra punch of flavor.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions add a lovely freshness and a touch of color to these spicy sticks. A small bowl of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping can provide a nice cooling balance to the heat.
Side Dishes
Pair your Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks with crispy fries or a simple coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy contrast. A crisp, refreshing salad also works beautifully to cut through the richness and heat.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the sticks like a tower on a rustic wooden board and drizzle with hot sauce for a dramatic appetizer presentation. Or serve them individually on cocktail sticks with small dipping cups for a fun party platter everyone can enjoy easily.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sticks should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They are best eaten within 2 days to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded, uncooked sticks by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way you can fry fresh sticks any time you want that spicy cheesy treat.
Reheating
To reheat the cooked sticks, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the bacon crispy and the cheese melty without making them soggy like microwaving would.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of beef bacon?
Absolutely! Regular pork bacon works well too, but beef bacon adds a unique flavor and texture that pairs perfectly with the Nashville hot spices if you want that authentic twist.
What if I don’t have the Nashville hot spice mix?
No worries! You can create a quick mix with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt to capture those fiery, sweet, and smoky notes.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level comes primarily from the cayenne in the Nashville hot spice mix, but you can adjust the amount to suit your preference, making it as mild or fiery as you like.
Can I bake instead of frying?
While frying yields the crispiest results, you can bake these sticks at 400°F (205°C) for about 15-20 minutes on a greased rack to reduce oil but still get a crunchy exterior.
What dips go well with these mozzarella sticks?
Traditional marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a cool blue cheese dip complement the spicy, smoky flavors wonderfully and add an extra layer of indulgence.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s bursting with bold flavor and insane cheesiness, you definitely need to try the Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe. It’s an amazing way to mix smoky beef bacon with that unmistakable hot Nashville kick — perfect for game days, gatherings, or just treating yourself. Once you take that first crispy, spicy bite, you’ll be hooked! So gather your ingredients, get ready to fry, and thank me later for this unforgettable recipe.
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Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 sticks per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks combine spicy, smoky, and cheesy flavors into a crispy, indulgent appetizer. Mozzarella sticks are wrapped in savory beef bacon, coated in a Nashville hot spice breadcrumb mix, and deep-fried to golden perfection, then finished with a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.
Ingredients
Beef Bacon and Mozzarella
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 8 slices beef bacon
Breading Station
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tbsp Nashville hot spice mix (1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar)
Finishing
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
- Hot sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Freeze mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes to ensure they hold their shape while cooking.
- Wrap the Sticks: Wrap each frozen mozzarella stick tightly with a slice of beef bacon, overlapping the ends to secure them properly.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three bowls for dredging: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with the Nashville hot spice mix.
- Dredge the Sticks: Dip each bacon-wrapped stick first in flour, then egg, and finally coat with the spicy breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C), enough to fully submerge the sticks.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the sticks in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy, taking care not to overcrowd the oil.
- Drain and Season: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. While still hot, drizzle with hot sauce and sprinkle additional Nashville hot spice mix for an extra spicy finish.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before wrapping and frying helps prevent cheese from leaking out.
- Using beef bacon provides a richer, smoky flavor compared to pork bacon.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity in the spice mix to control spiciness to your preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed crispy and hot.
