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
Scale
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.
