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Nashville Hot Beef Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 73 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (8 sticks)
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks deliver a perfect combination of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Crunchy on the outside with a melty mozzarella center, wrapped in flavorful beef bacon and coated with a signature Nashville hot spice mix, these appetizer sticks are fried to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Ingredients

Beef Bacon and Cheese

  • 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 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Finishing

  • Hot sauce, for drizzling
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to submerge sticks, about 4 cups)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Freeze the mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes to help them maintain their shape during cooking and prevent the cheese from leaking out while frying.
  2. Wrap the Sticks: Remove frozen mozzarella sticks and wrap each one tightly with a slice of beef bacon, slightly overlapping the ends to help the bacon cook evenly and stay secure during frying.
  3. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs combined with the Nashville hot spice mix made from cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
  4. Dredge the Sticks: Dip each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick into the flour first, then coat it in the beaten eggs, and finally roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumb and spice mixture to ensure an even coating for a crispy crust.
  5. Heat the Oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to completely submerge the mozzarella sticks for even frying.
  6. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Carefully place breaded sticks in the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding to maintain oil temperature. Fry for 3 to 4 minutes or until the outside is crispy and golden brown.
  7. Drain and Season: Remove the cooked sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. While still hot, drizzle generously with hot sauce and sprinkle additional Nashville hot spice mix for extra flavor and heat.

Notes

  • Freezing mozzarella sticks before wrapping and frying is key to preventing cheese from oozing out during cooking.
  • Beef bacon adds a rich smoky flavor and is sturdier for wrapping compared to pork bacon.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper in the Nashville hot spice mix to control the spice level according to preference.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked sticks.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor as the cheese is gooey and the coating is crispest fresh out of the fryer.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/nashville-hot-beef-bacon-wrapped-mozzarella-sticks-recipe-2/