Snack Time Just Got Spicy with Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Elevate your snack game with these delicious and easy-to-make Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks. Perfect for game day, parties, or just a savory snack, these spicy and cheesy sticks are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of crispy bacon, gooey mozzarella, and flavorful Nashville hot seasoning creates a mouthwatering sensation.
- Quick to prepare and perfect for meal prepping, these sticks are a convenient and tasty snack option.
- The option to fry or bake these sticks allows for versatility in cooking methods.
Ingredient Notes:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- Bacon (thin-cut recommended)
- Toothpicks
For the Nashville Hot Seasoning: - Cayenne pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Brown sugar
- Chili powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
For Frying: - Vegetable oil (or enough for shallow frying)
Optional Garnish: - Fresh parsley, chopped
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Wrap each half of a mozzarella stick with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- In a bowl, mix together the Nashville Hot Seasoning ingredients.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in the seasoning mixture until coated.
- Fry the sticks in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Helpful Tips:
- For a healthier alternative, bake the sticks in the oven instead of frying.
- Use turkey bacon or vegan bacon as a substitution for a different flavor profile.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in the Nashville Hot Seasoning for a few hours before cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these spicy sticks with a side of coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a cold beer for the ultimate snacking experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the sticks ahead of time and fry them when ready to serve.
- Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying them? Yes, baking is a healthier alternative to frying.
- Can I freeze these mozzarella sticks? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked sticks and fry them straight from the freezer.
- How can I make the Nashville Hot Seasoning less spicy? Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder to suit your spice preference.
Conclusion:
Spice up your snack time with these irresistible Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a tasty treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it out and share your feedback with us!
PrintSnack Time Just Got Spicy with Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These spicy Nashville hot bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are a delicious twist on a classic snack. The combination of gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and spicy seasoning makes for a perfect bite-sized treat.
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 12 slices of bacon (thin-cut recommended)
- Toothpicks
For the Nashville Hot Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable oil (or enough for shallow frying)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Cut mozzarella sticks in half and wrap each with a slice of bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
- Make the Nashville Hot Seasoning: In a bowl, mix cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Heat oil in a pan, fry the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle with Nashville hot seasoning and optional parsley. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure the bacon is cooked through and crispy before serving.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg