Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks – Spicy, Cheesy & Crispy

Let’s Make Some Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks!

Hey friend! I’m super excited to share this mouth-watering recipe for bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks with you! Trust me, whether you’re snacking on game day or just want something delicious to indulge in, these cheesy bites are sure to impress anyone. They are crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and oh-so-good when dipped in ranch dressing or your favorite dip!

Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe

Okay, I know bacon and cheese aren’t usually on the list of health foods, but here’s the fun part: you can switch things up to make this dish a little lighter! For instance, using turkey bacon instead of pork bacon cuts down on the fat while still delivering those savory flavors. Plus, the mozzarella sticks provide calcium and protein, so there’s a tiny bit of goodness in there too!

Adaptable Variations

If you want to play around with this recipe, here are some fun ideas:

• Cheese Choices: Why stop at mozzarella? You can use other types of cheese sticks, like pepper jack for a spicy kick!
• Healthier Options: Instead of frying, try baking them like I mentioned. It’s a little less messy and keeps them lighter!
• Spice Level: If you’re a chili fan, add some diced jalapeños into your cheese stick mix—you won’t regret it!

Let’s Make These Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks!

Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
• 12 slices of bacon
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray/oil for baking
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Ranch dressing or creamy dip (for serving)

Instructions

1. First things first, let’s preheat our oil! If you’re frying, heat it in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). If you prefer baking, just preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Now, grab those mozzarella sticks and wrap each one tightly with a slice of bacon. If you need to, secure the ends using toothpicks (safety first!).
3. Set up your breading station. In one bowl, place your flour. In a second bowl, beat your eggs until they’re nice and blended.
4. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. This is your flavorful coating mix that’ll make these sticks a hit!
5. Now for the fun part! Dredge each bacon-wrapped cheese stick first in flour (shake off that excess!), then dip it in the eggs, and finally, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture until it’s completely coated.
6. Place your sticks on a baking sheet and pop them in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This chill time is key to prevent cheese leakage when you cook them!

Cooking Options: Frying vs. Baking

Let’s cook these babies:

• If frying: Carefully drop the sticks into the hot oil in batches. Fry them until the bacon is crispy and golden brown and the cheese is melty inside, roughly 3-5 minutes. Drain them on some paper towels.
• If baking: Arrange the sticks on a greased baking sheet, give them a light spray of oil, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the coating is golden brown. Flip them halfway for an even cook.

Oh, and don’t forget to remove those toothpicks if you used them!

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately with ranch or any creamy dip you love.

Helpful Tips

• Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy sticks!
• If you’re baking, keep an eye on them as cooking times can vary based on your oven.
• These treats are best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. Just reheat them in the oven to bring back the crispiness.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to tackle this recipe:

• A deep fryer or heavy pot (if frying)
• An oven (if baking)
• 3 shallow bowls for the flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mix
• A baking sheet (if baking)
• A pair of tongs or a slotted spoon (for frying)
• Paper towels for draining
• Sharp knife for cutting toothpicks (if needed)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko? Yes, you can! Panko gives a lighter and crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work just fine.
2. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out? Chilling the coated sticks before cooking helps, as does wrapping the bacon tightly!.
3. Can I make these ahead of time? You can bread them a few hours in advance. Just stick them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
4. What dipping sauces go well with these? Ranch dressing is a classic, but you can try buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or even a sweet chili sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
5. What if I don’t have cayenne pepper? You can substitute it with a dash of hot sauce in the breadcrumb mixture or simply leave it out if you prefer something milder.

Let’s Wrap It Up!

I hope you’re ready to dive into making these delicious bites! They are perfect for gatherings or just a fun snack at home. If you try this recipe, I’d love to know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest—let’s inspire each other with tasty food!