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Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Ines Kitchen
Looking for an easy crowd-pleaser? 🧀 This Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks recipe requires just a few ingredients: string cheese, bacon, brown sugar, and spices. It’s an oven-baked appetizer that delivers a perfect cheese pull every time. If you love savory snacks, keto-friendly ideas (with modification), or spicy bacon dishes, this is a must-try.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Freeze Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12 sticks

Ingredients
  

For the sticks

  • 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
  • 12 slices thin-cut bacon
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil spray for air fryer or oven

For the Nashville hot butter

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1½ to 2½ teaspoons cayenne pepper start smaller, add more if you want
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon hot sauce

Instructions
 

  • Wrap the cheese: Pat the cheese sticks dry. Wrap each stick with one slice of thin bacon, overlapping slightly. Place seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Freeze: Freeze wrapped sticks for at least 60 minutes.
  • Set up breading bowls:
  • Bowl 1: flour
  • Bowl 2: eggs, whisked
  • Bowl 3: panko mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper (and a pinch of cayenne if desired)
  • Bread the sticks: Roll frozen bacon-wrapped sticks in flour, dip in egg, then press into panko. For extra crunch and better sealing, repeat egg + panko for a second coat.
  • Quick freeze: Freeze breaded sticks for 15 minutes while you preheat.
  • Air fryer method: Preheat to 400°F. Spray basket lightly. Arrange sticks in a single layer. Spray tops lightly. Air fry 8 to 11 minutes, turning halfway, until bacon is browned and coating is crisp.
  • Make the hot butter: Melt butter over low heat. Whisk in cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper (and hot sauce if using). Keep warm.
  • Finish: Let cooked sticks rest 2 minutes. Brush or drizzle with warm Nashville hot butter. Serve immediately.

Notes

Oven method: Bake at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 12 to 16 minutes, flipping halfway.
To prevent leaks: Freeze thoroughly and use the double breading method.
For serving: Keep extra Nashville hot butter on the side for dipping.