If you’re ready to elevate your appetizer game, you’ve got to try this Epic Nashville Mozzarella Sticks Recipe. Imagine gooey, melted mozzarella wrapped in crispy bacon, all cloaked in a spicy, tangy Nashville hot sauce batter that’s baked to perfection. This snack is an incredible blend of smoky, cheesy, and fiery flavors that’ll have you reaching for seconds before you even finish the first bite. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or craving a bold, comforting treat, these sticks bring irresistible Southern heat with every mouthwatering crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a special role in creating those unforgettable flavors and textures. From the creamy melty cheese to the spicy kick of Nashville hot sauce, these staples harmonize perfectly.
- Mozzarella sticks: Use high-quality, pre-cut mozzarella for the ideal melt and stretch.
- Bacon slices: Thin or regular cut works fine; bacon adds that salty, smoky crispiness.
- Nashville hot sauce: This is the fiery heart of the recipe — it delivers authentic Southern spice and tang.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create the batter that clings to the bacon and cheese, giving you that crispy exterior.
- Cooking spray or oil: Ensures even crisping in the oven without excess grease.
How to Make Epic Nashville Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your sticks from sticking and make cleanup a snap. This will help your Nashville mozzarella sticks cook evenly and crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks with Bacon
Take one mozzarella stick and wrap a slice of bacon around it tightly. If the bacon doesn’t stay put, secure it with a toothpick to keep that perfect bacon hug intact during baking. This step is key because the bacon adds flavor and a fantastic crunch.
Step 3: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce Batter
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the Nashville hot sauce and flour until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter. This spicy coating will cling to your bacon-wrapped sticks and bake into a crispy, flavorful shell that packs a punch.
Step 4: Coat the Bacon-Wrapped Sticks
Dip each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick into the buffalo hot sauce batter, allowing the excess to drip off. Be sure they’re well-coated but not dripping — you want enough batter to crisp but not too much that it becomes soggy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Give them a light spray with cooking spray to help the crispiest texture possible. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, but start checking around 12 minutes to make sure the bacon crisps nicely without burning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the sticks rest for 1 to 2 minutes before serving. This little pause allows the cheese to settle just enough, so it doesn’t ooze everywhere but stays perfectly molten inside. Serve with extra Nashville hot sauce for a dipping experience that’s just off the charts.
How to Serve Epic Nashville Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a lovely pop of color and a little extra layer of flavor. A drizzle of ranch dressing or a squeeze of fresh lime can cool things down after the spicy Nashville heat too.
Side Dishes
Pair your mozzarella sticks with classic Southern sides such as creamy coleslaw, pickles, or baked beans. A crisp garden salad is also a fantastic way to balance the richness of this appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, arrange sticks in a sunburst pattern around a bowl of dipping sauce. You could also skewer them in pairs or threes for easy grab-and-go snacking. Wrapping toothpicks with a little red and white twine gives a charming, rustic vibe perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mozzarella sticks are best eaten within 2 days to maintain their gooey texture and bacon crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but unbaked sticks by placing them flat on a tray, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month and bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat and revive that crispy coating, place the sticks on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bacon rubbery and cheese too runny.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?
While mozzarella is ideal for its melt and stretch, you could experiment with other cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack. Just be aware that different cheeses might change the texture and flavor profile a bit.
Is it possible to make these mozzarella sticks vegan or vegetarian?
You can try substituting vegan cheese sticks and plant-based bacon alternatives. Additionally, make sure your Nashville hot sauce doesn’t contain any animal products for a fully vegan-friendly twist.
How spicy is the Nashville hot sauce used in this recipe?
Nashville hot sauce delivers a bold, medium heat with a rich, smoky flavor. If you prefer milder spice, you can adjust the amount or mix it with a bit of honey or ranch dipping sauce to tone it down.
Can I deep fry these instead of baking?
Yes, deep frying is an option if you prefer an extra crispy exterior, but keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent cheese from oozing out too quickly. Baking is recommended for a healthier, less messy version.
Do I need to thaw frozen mozzarella sticks before cooking?
For this recipe, if you’re using frozen sticks to save time, bake them directly from frozen with a few additional minutes in the oven to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Epic Nashville Mozzarella Sticks Recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite for any occasion where you need a little spicy, cheesy magic. The combination of smoky bacon, melty cheese, and that unbeatable Nashville heat is pure comfort food joy. So gather your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and prepare to impress everyone with this sensational appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Crispy bacon wrapped around gooey mozzarella sticks, coated in a spicy Nashville hot sauce batter, baked to perfection for an indulgent appetizer that’s perfect for game day or party snacks.
Ingredients
Cheese and Bacon
- 8 ounces mozzarella sticks (about 8 pre-cut sticks)
- 8 slices bacon (thin or regular cut)
Batter and Coating
- 1/2 cup Nashville hot sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Cooking spray (or oil for frying)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks: Wrap one slice of bacon around each mozzarella stick tightly and secure it with a toothpick if necessary to ensure the bacon stays in place during cooking.
- Make the Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the Nashville hot sauce and all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and without lumps, creating a spicy batter.
- Batter the Sticks: Dip each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick into the hot sauce batter, letting any excess drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Arrange and Prepare for Baking: Place the coated sticks seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy finish.
- Bake: Bake the sticks in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Begin checking at 12 minutes to ensure the bacon crisps without burning.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the mozzarella sticks to rest for 1-2 minutes after baking to let the cheese set slightly before serving with extra Nashville hot sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use thin-cut bacon for easier wrapping and crisper texture.
- Securing bacon with toothpicks is recommended to keep it tightly wrapped around the cheese.
- Watch closely during baking to prevent the bacon from burning.
- Serve immediately for the best gooey cheese experience.
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
