Nashville hot bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks bring together the perfect mix of spicy heat, melty cheese, and crispy bacon. The crunchy outside gives way to gooey mozzarella, all wrapped up in smoky, spicy bacon that adds a little Southern kick to a classic snack.
I love making these when I want a fun treat that’s a little different from your usual cheese sticks. The spicy Nashville hot seasoning really wakes up the bacon and makes every bite exciting. Plus, it’s super easy to keep some in the freezer and bake them whenever your snack cravings hit.
These mozzarella sticks are amazing served hot with a side of ranch or cool blue cheese dressing to balance the spice. I usually bring them out for game nights or casual get-togethers, and everyone always asks for the recipe! It’s such a fun snack that brings a little extra flavor and smiles every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella sticks: Using string cheese makes wrapping easier and melts perfectly. If you can’t find string cheese, a block of mozzarella cut into sticks works too.
Bacon: Thin slices wrap nicely and crisp faster. You can try turkey bacon for a lighter option, but it won’t be quite as crispy or smoky.
Panko breadcrumbs: These give a great crunchy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work but expect slightly less crunch.
Nashville hot seasoning: The smoked paprika, cayenne, and chili powder create that bold, spicy kick. Adjust cayenne for your preferred heat level. You can swap paprika for regular if needed but smoked adds depth.
Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil works well due to their high smoke points. If you prefer baking, coat the sticks well and bake at a high temp for crispiness but frying usually gives the best texture.
How Do You Keep Cheese From Melting Too Fast While Frying?
To stop mozzarella from oozing out during frying, chilling is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Wrap each mozzarella stick tightly with bacon first.
- Freeze them for at least 30 minutes until firm before breading.
- This step helps the cheese stay inside while the bacon crisps up.
- Also, keep the fry time short — 2 to 3 minutes at 350°F is enough to cook bacon crispy but keep cheese melty inside.
- Serve immediately once fried for that perfect gooey center.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep fryer or large deep skillet – helps you fry the sticks evenly and get them crispy all around.
- Cooking thermometer – I use this to keep the oil at the perfect 350°F so the bacon crisps without burning.
- Wire rack with baking sheet – great for draining excess oil and keeping the sticks crispy after frying.
- Tongs – lets you turn and remove the sticks easily and safely from hot oil.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixtures; makes breading faster and less messy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to add a subtle spicy kick inside the bacon wrap.
- Mix in finely chopped jalapeños or green onions with the panko for extra flavor and a crunch surprise.
- Try wrapping with spicy chorizo slices instead of bacon for a smoky, meaty twist.
- Toss the finished sticks in honey or maple syrup with the hot seasoning for a sweet-heat combo.
How to Make Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 12 slices of bacon (thinner slices work best for wrapping)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
For the Nashville Hot Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional: Ranch or marinara sauce, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
All together, this recipe takes about 45 minutes. It includes 10 minutes for prep, 30 minutes freezing the bacon-wrapped sticks to keep the cheese from melting too quickly, and around 5 minutes for frying and final touches.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
Cut the mozzarella sticks in half if you want smaller bites. Wrap one slice of bacon tightly around each mozzarella piece and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze these wrapped sticks for at least 30 minutes—this helps stop the cheese from oozing out during frying.
2. Mix the Nashville Hot Seasoning:
In a bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This creates that classic spicy Nashville flavor you’ll love.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Prepare three shallow bowls: place flour in the first bowl, beat eggs and water together in the second, and mix panko breadcrumbs with half of the Nashville hot seasoning in the third.
4. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
Take your frozen bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks, then coat each first in flour (shake off the excess), dip in the egg wash, and finally cover thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. For added crunch, you can dip them a second time in the egg and breadcrumbs.
5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning often until they are golden brown and crispy all over. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
6. Coat with Nashville Hot Sauce:
While still warm, toss or brush your fried sticks with the remaining Nashville hot seasoning mixed with melted butter or your favorite hot sauce base. This adds that signature Nashville spicy kick on the crispy bacon.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve immediately. Pair with ranch dressing, blue cheese, or marinara sauce for dippin’ fun!
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or string cheese cut into sticks for wrapping. If using frozen sticks, thaw them fully and pat dry to avoid excess moisture that can cause sogginess during frying.
How Can I Make This Recipe Less Spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. You can also balance the heat by serving with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for about 15-20 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them since baking won’t get quite as crispy as frying.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F to keep them crispy rather than using a microwave.