If you love the combination of cheese and spice, Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate finger food. Crispy bacon envelops gooey mozzarella sticks, then gets coated in a fiery Nashville-style spice mix for a bold, addictive flavor. This appetizer is perfect for parties, game days, or any time you want a snack that delivers both heat and comfort.

The smoky flavor of bacon, combined with melty cheese and a punch of cayenne pepper, creates a satisfying bite every time. Unlike ordinary mozzarella sticks, the Nashville Hot version adds depth with spices like paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar, balancing heat and sweetness.

Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or craving a spicy snack, this recipe shows you how to make these mozzarella sticks with a crispy exterior, molten interior, and bold Southern-inspired flavor.

Ingredients

Mozzarella Sticks:

12 mozzarella sticks, frozen
12 strips of bacon, thin-cut

Breading & Coating:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste

Nashville Hot Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar

Optional Garnish:

Chopped green onions
Ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce

Instructions

Prep Mozzarella Sticks:
Freeze mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour to prevent melting during cooking.
Wrap Bacon:
Wrap each frozen mozzarella stick with a strip of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
Prepare Breading Station:
Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
Coat Mozzarella Sticks:
Roll each bacon-wrapped stick in flour, dip in eggs, then coat evenly with seasoned breadcrumbs.
Fry or Bake:
- Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry sticks in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a lined sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Prepare Nashville Hot Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth.
Coat with Sauce:
Brush the hot sauce over cooked mozzarella sticks immediately for maximum flavor and heat.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.

Tips for Perfect Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Cheese Control: Keep mozzarella sticks frozen until just before cooking to prevent cheese from leaking.
Crispy Bacon: Use thin-cut bacon and cook at a high temperature for crispiness.
Adjust Heat: Reduce cayenne pepper in sauce for milder heat or increase for extra spice.
Make Ahead: Wrap sticks in bacon ahead of time and freeze until ready to cook.

Variations

Cheese Mix: Use a mix of mozzarella and pepper jack for extra spice inside.
Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes for a lighter version.
Sweet Heat: Add a drizzle of honey over hot sauce for a sweet-and-spicy contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a party platter appetizer with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
Pair with cold beer or sparkling water for a game-day snack.
Cut sticks into smaller bites for cocktail parties or kid-friendly gatherings.

Fun Facts

Nashville hot seasoning originated in Tennessee in the 1950s as a spicy twist on fried chicken.
Bacon-wrapped cheese recipes are popular in Southern cuisine for their combination of smoky, salty, and creamy flavors.
These sticks are a modern take on the classic mozzarella stick, adding a punch of spice that appeals to adventurous eaters.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of bacon, spicy coating, and gooey cheese ensures a balance of textures: crispy exterior, chewy bacon, and melty mozzarella. The Nashville hot seasoning provides a perfect spicy-sweet balance, making these mozzarella sticks both addictive and satisfying. Frying ensures maximum crunch, but baking keeps it simple and slightly healthier while still achieving great flavor.