Crispy Nashville Hot Bacon Mozzarella Sticks
Gooey mozzarella cheese wrapped in smoky bacon, coated in a spicy, crunchy crust, and fried to golden perfection. A bold and indulgent snack perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- String mozzarella cheese, cut into halves
- Thin slices of bacon (preferably applewood-smoked)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Nashville hot seasoning (cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar)
- Vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil)
- Optional: Hot sauce for egg wash
- Optional: Ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Cut the mozzarella sticks in half and wrap each piece in a slice of bacon, tucking the ends to secure the cheese.
- Prepare coating stations: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs (with hot sauce, if using) in another, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Nashville hot seasoning in a third.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured stick into the egg wash, ensuring complete coating.
- Roll the stick in seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently for an even crust.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan. Carefully lower mozzarella sticks into the hot oil using tongs.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove sticks from oil and place on a cooling rack lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Serve immediately with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Freeze the prepared sticks for 10-15 minutes before frying to prevent cheese from oozing out. Adjust cayenne pepper in seasoning for desired spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 12
Keywords: Nashville hot, bacon mozzarella sticks, crispy snack, fried appetizer, comfort food