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
Scale
- 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