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Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy bacon-wrapped cheese sticks glazed with a spicy Nashville hot sauce, perfect for game day appetizers.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Sticks
  • 16 oz low-moisture block mozzarella cheese cut into batons
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour optional for dusting
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
Nashville Hot Glaze
  • 0.5 cup hot frying oil reserved from pan
  • 3 tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar packed
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottom skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Wire rack
  • Heat-proof bowl
  • Tongs
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

  1. Cut mozzarella block into 3-inch batons. Freeze for 45 minutes.
  2. Dust cheese lightly with flour. Wrap each stick tightly with a slice of bacon, securing ends with toothpicks.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Fry sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes until bacon is crispy and golden. Drain on wire rack.
  5. Carefully ladle 1/2 cup of hot oil into a bowl containing cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Whisk well.
  6. Brush the hot spice mixture generously over the fried sticks.
  7. Serve immediately with ranch dressing or pickles.

Notes

Ensure bacon overlaps when wrapping to prevent cheese leakage. Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control heat level.