This twist on a classic snack pairs melty mozzarella with savory beef bacon and a spicy Nashville hot kick. Crisp on the outside, gooey on the inside, these Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Mozzarella Sticks make a bold appetizer or game-day treat. They smell smoky and peppery, with a crunchy golden crust and a rich, stretchy center. Easy to share and full of flavor, they bring Southern heat to a familiar favorite.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 4 (about 3 sticks per person; adjust as needed)
- Difficulty Level: Medium
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 700 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fat: 48 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1400 mg
Why Make This Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Mozzarella Sticks
These sticks give you big, bold flavor in a finger food. The beef bacon adds a deeper, beefy smoke than pork bacon. The Nashville hot seasoning gives a bright, spicy crust that wakes up the rich cheese. They cook fast, look impressive on a platter, and work great as an appetizer, party snack, or fun dinner side. If you like contrast — crunchy exterior and gooey center — these deliver.
How to Make Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Mozzarella Sticks
This is a simple three-part process: prepare and bread the sticks, fry until golden, then finish with Nashville hot seasoning. Work quickly when coating so the cheese does not melt before frying. Use cold cheese sticks and keep a tray in the freezer while you bread them. Maintain oil temperature for even browning and minimal oil absorption.
Ingredients:
- 12 frozen or fresh mozzarella sticks (regular size)
- 12 slices beef bacon (one per stick; use thin-cut for easier wrapping)
- 1–2 tablespoons Nashville hot chicken seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil), about 2–3 cups for a deep fryer or pot
- Optional: toothpicks to secure bacon, fresh parsley for garnish, dipping sauce (ranch, blue cheese, or honey-mustard)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, heat oil until a small piece of bread browns in about 20–30 seconds. Lay out the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls or plates. If the mozzarella sticks are refrigerated, freeze them for 10–15 minutes so they hold shape while you work.
Step 2: Mixing
Wrap each mozzarella stick with one slice of beef bacon. If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick. Dredge the bacon-wrapped cheese in flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, then roll it thoroughly in breadcrumbs until evenly coated. For extra security, repeat the egg and breadcrumb dip for a double coat.
Step 3: Cooking
Fry the coated mozzarella sticks in the hot oil in batches. Don’t crowd the fryer; give each stick space to crisp. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per batch. Keep an eye on oil temperature and adjust heat to maintain 350°F (175°C). If the oil runs cooler, the sticks will absorb more oil and become greasy.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the fried mozzarella sticks from the oil and drain on paper towels for a minute to remove excess oil. While still hot, sprinkle each stick with Nashville hot chicken seasoning to taste. Let them rest 1–2 minutes so the cheese sets slightly, then serve warm.
How to Serve Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Mozzarella Sticks
Serve hot and fresh for the best melt and crisp contrast. Offer dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a cool yogurt dip to balance the heat. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for color. These are perfect on a party platter, with cold beers, or as a fun side next to burgers and sliders.
How to Store Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Mozzarella Sticks
- Short term: Keep leftover sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.
- Freezing: After frying and cooling, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer until hot and crisp (about 10–15 minutes).
- Reheating tip: Avoid microwaving — it makes them soggy. Use a preheated oven or air fryer to restore crunch.
Expert Tips for Perfect Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Mozzarella Sticks
- Keep cheese cold: Freeze sticks for 10–15 minutes before breading to help prevent leaking cheese.
- Maintain oil temp: 350°F (175°C) is ideal. Too hot and bacon will burn; too cool and they’ll soak up oil.
- Double coat: For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.
- Use panko: Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, extra-crispy texture.
- Work fast: Bread in small batches so the cheese doesn’t warm up during assembly.
- Test one first: Fry a single stick to check timing and seasoning before cooking the rest.
- Adjust spice: Toss with Nashville hot seasoning after frying so you can control the heat level per batch.
Delicious Variations
- Air-Fryer Version: Spray sticks lightly with oil and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway. Texture will be crisp but slightly different than deep-fried.
- Jalapeño Popper Style: Add a thin slice of jalapeño under the bacon for a fresh pepper bite.
- Sweet Heat: Mix a little brown sugar into the Nashville seasoning for a sweet-spicy finish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make these gluten-friendly.
- Mini Version: Use mini mozzarella bites wrapped in thin bacon for bite-sized appetizers.
- Turkey Bacon Swap: Use turkey bacon for a leaner option (note: flavor and crisping differ).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A: Yes. Baking reduces oil but won’t be as deeply crisp. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake 10–12 minutes until golden, turning once.
Q: Will the cheese leak out while frying?
A: If you keep the mozzarella cold and bread quickly, leakage is minimal. Freezing for 10–15 minutes before breading and frying at the correct temperature helps the crust form fast and trap the cheese.
Q: Can I use pork bacon instead of beef bacon?
A: Absolutely. Pork bacon is a common swap and gives a familiar smoky-salty flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed because thickness and fat content vary.
Q: How do I make these less spicy?
A: Sprinkle less Nashville seasoning or mix it with a bit of paprika or brown sugar. Serve cooling dips like ranch or sour cream on the side to tame heat.
Q: Are these safe to prepare ahead for a party?
A: You can bread them and freeze on a tray, then store in a bag until party time. Fry from frozen for best texture. Avoid breading and refrigerating for long periods, as moisture can make the crust soggy.
Q: Can I use fresh shredded mozzarella instead of sticks?
A: It’s harder to maintain shape with shredded cheese. If you use fresh mozzarella, form into logs and chill/freeze well before breading. Sticks are the most reliable.
Q: What dipping sauces pair best?
A: Ranch, blue cheese, honey-mustard, or a cool yogurt-dill sauce balance the heat nicely. Spicy ketchup or a smoky aioli also work well.
Conclusion
These Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Mozzarella Sticks are bold, tasty, and show-stopping. They’re crunchy, smoky, and warmly spicy — perfect for crowds or a fun weeknight treat. For a deeper look at party-ready Southern recipes and inspiration, check out this write-up: This recipe is the South’s well kept secret! It’s the star of any party. Give them a try — once you taste that hot, crispy crust and gooey center, you’ll want to make them again.
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Nashville Hot Beef Bacon Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A spicy twist on a classic snack, these mozzarella sticks are wrapped in beef bacon and seasoned with Nashville hot kick for a bold appetizer.
Ingredients
- 12 frozen or fresh mozzarella sticks (regular size)
- 12 slices beef bacon (one per stick; use thin-cut for easier wrapping)
- 1–2 tablespoons Nashville hot chicken seasoning (or to taste)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- Cooking oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil), about 2–3 cups
- Optional: toothpicks to secure bacon, fresh parsley for garnish, dipping sauce (ranch, blue cheese, or honey-mustard)
Instructions
- Preheat your oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Arrange flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow bowls. If needed, freeze mozzarella sticks for 10–15 minutes.
- Wrap each mozzarella stick with one slice of beef bacon and secure with a toothpick if necessary. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Repeat for a double coat if desired.
- Fry the coated mozzarella sticks in hot oil in batches, ensuring they are not crowded. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per batch, adjusting oil temperature as needed.
- Remove fried sticks from the oil and drain on paper towels. While hot, sprinkle Nashville hot seasoning to taste. Let rest for 1–2 minutes, then serve warm.
Notes
For serving, offer dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. Avoid microwaving leftovers; instead, reheat in an oven or air fryer for optimal crispness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sticks per person
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1400mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
