Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a fun and exciting treat that packs a punch! These little bundles of joy combine creamy, melty cheese with crispy bacon, topped off with a warm drizzle of hot sauce. Perfect for a game night, movie marathon, or just a cozy family evening, they’re sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Why You Will Love This Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
These bites are unbelievably easy to make. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, they are perfect for any busy family. The combination of flavors is incredible, and they are always a hit at gatherings. Plus, who doesn’t love the fun of cheesy, crispy snacks?
How to Make Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Making these delicious snacks is straightforward. Start by wrapping cheese sticks in bacon. Then, coat them in a light crust and fry until golden. It’s that simple! You’re left with a dish that’s not only tasty but also entertaining to prepare.
What You Need
- Mozzarella sticks
- Bacon
- Hot sauce
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Spices (cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oil for frying.
- Wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
- Dredge the bacon-wrapped mozzarella in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with your choice of spices.
- Fry until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Drizzle with hot sauce before serving and enjoy!
How to Serve Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
These tasty bites can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Consider serving with fresh veggies for a light crunch or a simple salad to round out the meal. They’re also great as part of a snack platter for watch parties or festive gatherings.
How to Store Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
To keep your leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze them, lay them out on a baking sheet first to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, pop them in the oven at a moderate temperature until warmed through and crispy again.
Recipe Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness.
- Adjust the hot sauce based on your spice preference.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent sogginess.
- Consider adding extra spices to the breadcrumb coating for more flavor.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for best results.
Variations & Swaps
- For a milder version, you can use a sweet chili sauce instead of hot sauce.
- Swap in turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- For a cheesy twist, try adding a slice of pepper jack cheese with the mozzarella.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added nutrition.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the mozzarella sticks wrapped in bacon and coated, then store them in the fridge for a few hours. Just fry them right before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I freeze these?
Absolutely! Freeze them before frying. After coating, lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a bag for longer storage.
How do I reheat them?
Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also pan-fry them briefly.
What can I substitute for the breadcrumbs?
You can use crushed cornflakes, panko, or even crushed pretzels for a different texture. Just make sure they are seasoned!
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
One common mistake is not heating the oil enough, leading to greasy sticks. Make sure the oil is ready before adding your snacks. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this affects the cooking temperature and texture.
Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 pieces Mozzarella sticks String cheese or mozzarella cheese sticks.
- 12 slices Bacon Thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness.
- 1 cup Flour For dredging the mozzarella sticks.
- 2 large Eggs Beaten, for dipping.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Use seasoned or panko breadcrumbs.
- 1 tablespoon Spices mix (cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, etc.) Adjust to preference.
- 2 cups Vegetable oil For frying.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oil for frying.
- Wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if necessary.
- Dredge the bacon-wrapped mozzarella in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs mixed with your choice of spices.
Cooking
- Fry until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
