Pin it
Let me tell you about my Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks that have become legendary at our gatherings. These aren't your ordinary cheese sticks they're a flavor explosion of gooey mozzarella wrapped in crispy bacon and slathered in spicy Nashville sauce. Every time I make them people can't believe the combination.
What You'll Need
I've found the key to making these incredible is using the best ingredients. You'll want fresh mozzarella sticks they melt so much better than the processed kind. Get good quality bacon too it makes such a difference. For the Nashville hot sauce I use my favorite hot sauce mixed with butter brown sugar and a special blend of spices.
The Perfect Wrap
Here's my secret to wrapping these beauties. Cut each string cheese stick in half and let them chill in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Take your bacon strips and wrap them diagonally making sure to slightly overlap each turn. This keeps all that melty goodness inside while cooking.
Sauce Magic
The Nashville sauce is where the magic happens. I melt butter then mix in cayenne paprika brown sugar garlic powder and a touch of honey. Sometimes I'll add a splash of hot sauce too. The key is tasting and adjusting until it's perfectly balanced between sweet and heat.
Choose Your Cooking Method
I've tried these both ways and honestly they're amazing either way. The air fryer gives you super crispy bacon in about 8 minutes at 375°F. For baking I go with 400°F for about 12 minutes watching carefully for that perfect golden crisp.
Pin it
My Best Tips
Freezing the cheese first is non negotiable it helps prevent too much melting while the bacon cooks. Always line your baking sheet with parchment and don't skip preheating your air fryer or oven. These little details make all the difference.
Perfect Pairings
I love serving these with cool ranch or chunky blue cheese dip the creamy coolness perfectly balances the heat. Adding some crisp celery and carrot sticks on the side makes such a pretty presentation plus it gives people something fresh to munch on.
Keeping Them Fresh
If you somehow end up with leftovers store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat pop them back in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes. The microwave works in a pinch but you'll lose that wonderful crispy texture.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I'll add different cheeses like pepper jack for extra spice or wrap them in prosciutto instead of bacon. You can even stuff a small jalapeño slice inside with the cheese if you're feeling adventurous. The possibilities are endless.
What Makes These Special
The combination just works so perfectly together. That moment when you bite in and get the crispy bacon the melty cheese and that hit of Nashville spice it's absolutely incredible. These aren't your average mozzarella sticks they're a whole new level of appetizer.
Pin it
Get Ahead
I love that I can prep these ahead of time. Just wrap them up pop them in the fridge and they're ready to cook whenever you need them. Perfect for when you're hosting and want to enjoy time with your guests.
Drink Pairings
A cold beer is classic with these but I also love serving them with fresh lemonade. The citrus cuts through the richness perfectly. For parties I'll make a big batch of cucumber mint water it's so refreshing with the spicy bites.
Family Friendly
When I make these for the whole family I set aside a few without the spicy sauce for the kids. They still get all the fun of the bacon wrapped cheese and I'll serve them with honey mustard or ketchup for dipping.
Make The Sauce Your Own
Don't be afraid to play with the sauce flavors. Sometimes I'll add a splash of maple syrup or a dash of fish sauce for umami. The base recipe is just the beginning let your taste buds guide you.
Texture Success
Getting that bacon perfectly crispy is key. I always make sure to flip them halfway through cooking and watch for that golden brown color. You want the cheese melty but not exploding and the bacon should have a nice snap to it.
Pin it
Other Ways to Cook
If you're grilling you can absolutely make these outside just use indirect heat and keep a close eye on them. They also work great on a pellet smoker the extra smoky flavor is incredible.
Pretty Touches
A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dusting of smoked paprika makes these look so appetizing. Sometimes I'll add a drizzle of ranch or a few drops of honey right before serving. People eat with their eyes first after all.
Party Perfect
These are my go to party appetizer. I set up different dipping sauces ranch blue cheese honey mustard and watch everyone mix and match their favorites. They're always the first thing to disappear from the buffet.
Lighter Options
If you're looking to lighten things up turkey bacon works surprisingly well. You can also use part skim mozzarella just know it won't be quite as melty. The sauce is pretty flexible too adjust the butter ratio to your preference.
The Ultimate Crowd Pleaser
I love watching people try these for the first time. There's always this moment of 'wow' when they get that first bite. It's become my signature appetizer and friends are always asking for the recipe. That's what cooking is all about sharing good food and making memories.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
While best served fresh and hot, you can wrap the cheese in bacon and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from melting out?
Make sure to wrap the bacon tightly around the cheese and secure well with toothpicks. Don't skip the parchment paper as it helps prevent sticking if any cheese does leak.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can customize the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce. Start with less if you're sensitive to heat, you can always add more sauce at the end.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warm. Avoid microwave as it can make the bacon soggy and cause the cheese to melt too quickly.
- → Why use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Turkey bacon is leaner and won't release as much grease during cooking. However, regular bacon works too and will give a richer flavor.