These Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate spicy, crispy, cheesy snack! 🌶️🧀🥓 Perfect for game days, parties, or a fun appetizer, these mozzarella sticks take the classic bacon-wrapped treat to the next level with bold, smoky Nashville hot flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
✔ Crispy, cheesy, and spicy – The perfect flavor combo!
✔ No frying needed – Baked for easy cleanup.
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Assemble in advance for stress-free snacking.
✔ Dippable & fun – Great with ranch, marinara, or extra hot sauce!
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 12 Sticks)
For the Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella sticks 🧀
- 12 strips of bacon 🥓 (thin-cut works best for crispiness)
For the Nashville Hot Sauce Glaze
- ¼ cup hot sauce 🌶️ (preferably Nashville hot sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika 🌿
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar 🍯 (balances the heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wrap each mozzarella stick tightly with one strip of bacon, overlapping slightly.
- Secure the ends with toothpicks to keep the bacon in place.
💡 Pro Tip: Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes before wrapping to prevent cheese from oozing out!
2️⃣ Make the Nashville Hot Sauce Glaze
- In a small bowl, mix hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar.
- Stir until well combined.
3️⃣ Brush & Bake
- Place the bacon-wrapped sticks on a wire rack over a baking sheet (this helps the bacon crisp up).
- Generously brush the hot sauce mixture over the bacon-wrapped sticks.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and fully cooked.
4️⃣ Optional: Extra Crispiness
- For even crispier bacon, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
5️⃣ Cool & Serve
- Let the mozzarella sticks cool for 3-5 minutes to firm up.
- Remove toothpicks and serve with ranch dressing, extra hot sauce, or marinara sauce for dipping!
🔥 Pro Tips & Variations
✔ Spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the hot sauce glaze.
✔ Want a smoky twist? Swap regular bacon for pepper-crusted bacon.
✔ Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
✔ Keto-Friendly: Use sugar-free hot sauce & omit brown sugar.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
✔ Make-Ahead: Assemble the bacon-wrapped sticks, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
✔ Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
✔ Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.
🍽️ Best Dipping Sauces
💙 Ranch dressing – cool & creamy contrast
🔥 Extra hot sauce – for true spice lovers
🍅 Marinara sauce – a classic mozzarella stick pairing
🍯 Honey mustard – sweet & tangy balance
Perfect for Any Occasion! 🎉
Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving something bold and cheesy, these Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a must-try!
Try them out and bring the heat! 🔥🧀🥓