Nashville-Style Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
There’s just something magical about the moment crispy bacon meets melty cheese—especially when a little Tennessee heat joins the party. These Nashville-style spicy bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are bold, playful, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re hosting friends for the big game or just craving a little late-night comfort with a kick, this easy appetizer never disappoints.
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup of your favorite hot sauce (I like Frank’s for this)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Toothpicks for securing
Instructions
- Warm your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment to keep cleanup easy.
- Wrap each mozzarella stick snugly with a slice of bacon, using a toothpick to hold the ends in place.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Generously brush each bacon-wrapped cheese stick with the spicy sauce mixture.
- Arrange the sticks on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the bacon turns crispy and the mozzarella becomes beautifully melty.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving—they’re hot, but oh my, they’re worth the wait.
