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Crispy Spicy Nashville Bacon Mozzarella Sticks Easy Bold Snack Recipe

Nashville Bacon Mozzarella Sticks - featured image

These crispy, smoky bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks are coated with a spicy Nashville hot seasoning for a bold, flavorful snack perfect for game nights or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Mozzarella cheese sticks (full-fat, string cheese-style)
  • Bacon strips (thick-cut recommended)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Nashville hot seasoning blend (cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, black pepper)
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil for frying
  • Optional garnish: chopped parsley or green onions

Instructions

  1. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut each stick in half if desired.
  2. Wrap one strip of bacon tightly around each mozzarella stick, overlapping slightly to secure. Set aside.
  3. Prepare dredging stations: place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and mix panko breadcrumbs with Nashville hot seasoning in a third bowl.
  4. Roll each bacon-wrapped stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly with spicy panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and panko step once more.
  5. Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
  7. Fry sticks in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, turning occasionally until golden brown and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  8. Remove sticks and drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Let rest for a couple of minutes.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, with dipping sauces like ranch or spicy honey mustard.

Notes

Chill the coated sticks before frying to prevent cheese leakage and help the coating set. Use thick-cut bacon for better shape and crunch. Maintain oil temperature around 350ยฐF for best results. Double breading adds extra crunch and spice. Drain on wire rack to keep crust crispy. Baking is an option but results in less crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot, mozzarella sticks, bacon, spicy snack, crispy, game night, party food