Introduction
If you're looking for a game day snack that delivers on flavor, look no further than Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks. This recipe marries the creaminess of mozzarella with the savory crunch of bacon, all highlighted by a fiery Nashville hot seasoning. They’re not only delectable but also surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in, these mozzarella sticks add a twist to the traditional appetizer. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by gooey, melted cheese, finished with a spicy kick that will leave your taste buds buzzing. You’ll soon find yourself craving them far more often than you might expect.
Ingredients
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese sticks
Mozzarella cheese sticks are the centerpiece of this dish and provide that irresistible melty texture. Their mild flavor complements the spices beautifully. - 8 slices of bacon
Bacon adds a crispy, savory element to the dish. When wrapped around the mozzarella, it crisps up in the oven, providing a perfect contrast to the gooey cheese. - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Flour helps the spices adhere to the bacon and mozzarella, ensuring an even coating that enhances the overall flavor and crunch. - 1 egg, beaten
The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the flour and spices stick nicely to the bacon, creating a flavorful crust that holds everything together. - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs add an extra layer of crunch that traditional breadcrumbs can't match. They help achieve a delightful crispy texture after baking. - 1 tablespoon Nashville hot chicken seasoning
This seasoning mix is the star of the show, infusing each bite with a bold, spicy flavor that’s iconic to Nashville hot chicken. - 1 teaspoon paprika
Paprika adds depth and a mild sweetness, balancing the heat from the Nashville seasoning. It also gives the dish a lovely color. - Cooking spray
A light coating of cooking spray ensures that the bacon and mozzarella sticks don't stick to the baking sheet, allowing for easy removal and cleanup.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Preheating the oven is essential for ensuring the bacon cooks evenly and becomes crispy. An adequately heated oven facilitates proper melting of the mozzarella while also crisping the bacon to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with foil and lightly spraying it with cooking spray.
Lining the baking sheet with foil helps to catch drippings from the bacon, making cleanup easier. Coating it with cooking spray ensures the mozzarella sticks won’t stick during baking, which can lead to frustration.
Step 3: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, Nashville hot seasoning, and paprika.
This step is crucial as it creates a flavorful coating for the bacon-wrapped mozzarella. Mixing the spices with the flour distributes the flavors evenly, ensuring each bite is packed with seasoning.
Step 4: In another bowl, beat the egg, and in a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Having three separate bowls allows for a standard breading procedure: flour, then egg, and then breadcrumbs. This method ensures that the coating adheres well to the mozzarella and bacon, resulting in a crunchy finish.
Step 5: Wrap each mozzarella stick in a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if necessary.
Wrapping the bacon snugly around the mozzarella is key to achieving an even cook. Use a toothpick to keep the bacon in place if it doesn’t stay wrapped on its own, preventing any leakage during cooking.
Step 6: Dredge each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
This breading process is vital for creating a flavorful and crispy exterior. Each layer adds texture and seasoning while sealing in the gooey cheese during cooking.
Step 7: Arrange the coated sticks on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Spacing the sticks apart allows hot air to circulate around them, ensuring that every piece cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. Crowding the pan can lead to soggy results.
Step 8: Lightly spray the tops of the sticks with cooking spray.
Spraying the tops promotes browning and crisping without adding excess oil. This step enhances the crunch while keeping the dish relatively lighter.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Baking at this temperature allows for a perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a molten interior. Keep an eye on the bacon’s doneness—overbaking can lead to overly crisp edges.
Step 10: Remove from the oven, allowing them to cool slightly before serving.
Letting the sticks cool slightly helps the cheese set a bit, making them less likely to spill out when bitten into. Serve warm for the best experience.
Embracing the Nashville Hot Heat
The Nashville hot flavor profile involves a captivating mix of spices that bring heat without overwhelming the palate. Experimenting with the type and amount of seasoning allows you to tailor the spice level to your preference. Combining the smoky flavor of the bacon with the fiery seasoning creates a delicious interplay that captures the essence of Nashville's famous fried chicken.
Bacon: The Perfect Wrap
Bacon never fails to enhance a dish, particularly in this recipe where it serves as both a wrapping and a flavoring agent. Its rich, savory taste pairs perfectly with the cheese, ensuring that every bite is a harmonious blend. Try different types of bacon, like thick-cut or applewood smoked, for varying flavors and textures for this dish.
Mozzarella Sticks: A Versatile Canvas
While mozzarella sticks are the base of this recipe, their versatility allows for variations. You can incorporate herbs or spices into the cheese mixture before wrapping, or use different cheeses such as pepper jack for a spicy kick. This adaptability proves that even a simplistic ingredient can shine with creativity.
FAQs
What should I do if the bacon is not crispy after baking?
If the bacon isn't crispy, try adding a couple of extra minutes in the oven to allow for more browning. Keep a close watch to avoid overcooking the cheese.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative, but be aware that it may not crisp up as readily as pork bacon.
What can I do if the cheese spills out during baking?
Ensure the bacon is wrapped tightly around the mozzarella. If it continues to spill, consider reducing the cooking time slightly to keep the cheese from melting too much.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spice level, add more Nashville hot seasoning or incorporate diced jalapeños into the cheese before wrapping.
What if my flour mixture turns out too thick?
If your flour mixture feels too thick, it may need additional spice for taste. Consider adding a pinch more salt or spice to enhance flavor without affecting consistency.
Is there a way to add more flavor to the breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Toss the panko breadcrumbs with dried herbs or seasoning blends like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or even Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Can I serve these with a dipping sauce?
Yes, a creamy ranch or cooling yogurt-based sauce pairs wonderfully with these spicy bites, balancing the heat effectively.
How do I prevent the mozzarella sticks from being too salty?
Choosing low-sodium bacon can help mitigate the overall saltiness of the dish. Additionally, monitor the amount of Nashville seasoning added.
Conclusion
Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are more than just an appetizer; they’re a bold fusion of flavors that will impress anyone who tries them. Their crispy exterior, coupled with the melted cheese and spicy kick, creates a delightful snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
As you gather with friends or family, these sticks are bound to spark conversation and satisfy all appetites. Now that you have the recipe, get ready to create memorable moments around your table!
Recipe Card
Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by mixing honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and vinegar.
- Place chicken thighs in the crock pot and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- If using cornstarch, remove chicken 30 minutes before cooking is done.
- Once done, shred or serve the chicken whole, alongside the sauce.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
