Name: Nashville Hot Bacon Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks; 12 slices thin bacon; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs (large); 2 tbsp milk; 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs; 0.5 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.5 cup melted butter; 2 tbsp cayenne pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp brown sugar; 0.5 tsp garlic powder; 0.5 tsp chili powder; 1 tbsp hot sauce

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If you love bold Southern flavors and crave that perfect cheese pull, these Nashville Hot Bacon Mozzarella Sticks are about to become your new favorite appetizer. They combine crispy bacon-wrapped mozzarella with a fiery Nashville hot coating for a crunchy, smoky, spicy bite that melts in your mouth.

This recipe elevates traditional mozzarella sticks into something unforgettable. Inspired by the legendary heat of Nashville hot chicken, these sticks pack serious flavor while still delivering that gooey, stretchy mozzarella center everyone loves.

Whether you’re planning a game night, holiday gathering, autumn party spread, or simply craving a next-level snack, this spicy cheese sticks recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.

What Makes Nashville Hot Flavor So Special?

The Nashville hot style originated in Nashville and is famous for its intense heat balanced with subtle sweetness. Traditionally brushed over fried chicken, the sauce typically includes cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, and hot oil.

In this recipe, we recreate that iconic flavor profile and coat crispy bacon mozzarella sticks with a buttery, fiery glaze that clings beautifully to the crunchy exterior.

The result?

Crispy outside
Smoky bacon flavor
Melty mozzarella center
Bold spicy kick
Slight sweet balance

It’s everything you want in a crispy mozzarella sticks with bacon recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect party appetizer
Freezer-friendly and prep-ahead option
Restaurant-style crunch
Customizable heat level
Ideal for game days, holidays, and autumn gatherings
Ready in under an hour

These Nashville hot mozzarella sticks taste indulgent but are surprisingly simple to make.

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks

12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
12 slices thin-cut bacon
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup regular breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Nashville Hot Sauce

½ cup melted butter
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
1 tablespoon hot sauce

For Serving

Ranch dressing or blue cheese dip
Chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Wrap the Mozzarella

Take each mozzarella stick and wrap it tightly with one slice of bacon, slightly overlapping as you go. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.

2. Freeze

Place wrapped sticks on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 45–60 minutes. This step is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

3. Prepare Breading Station

Set up three bowls:

Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: Eggs whisked with milk
Bowl 3: Panko, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper mixed together

4. Bread the Sticks

Remove frozen sticks from the freezer.

Roll in flour
Dip into egg mixture
Coat thoroughly in breadcrumb mixture
For extra crispiness, repeat egg and breadcrumb step

Place back into freezer for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

5. Heat Oil

Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Oil should be about 2 inches deep.

6. Fry

Fry 2–3 sticks at a time for about 2–3 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and golden brown. Avoid overcrowding.

Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.

7. Make Nashville Hot Sauce

In a bowl, combine melted butter, cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, chili powder, and hot sauce. Whisk until smooth.

8. Coat

Brush or drizzle the hot sauce generously over fried sticks while still warm.

9. Serve Immediately

Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip and enjoy that epic cheese pull!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheese Pull

Freeze twice. This ensures the mozzarella stays intact.

Use thin bacon. Thick bacon takes longer to crisp and may overcook the cheese.

Double coat. For ultra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumb coating.

Use a thermometer. Oil temperature consistency prevents greasy results.

Serve immediately. Mozzarella sticks are best hot and fresh.

Air Fryer Option

If you prefer a lighter version:

Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
Spray sticks lightly with cooking spray.
Air fry 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Brush with Nashville hot sauce after cooking.

They won’t be quite as indulgent as deep-fried, but still incredibly crispy and satisfying.

Heat Level Variations

Mild: Reduce cayenne to 1 teaspoon.
Medium: Use 1 tablespoon cayenne.
Extra Hot: Add ½ teaspoon ghost pepper powder.
Sweet Heat: Increase brown sugar slightly.

You control the spice intensity in this easy party appetizer recipe.

Serving Suggestions

These bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks pair beautifully with:

Coleslaw
Pickles
Sweet potato fries
Iced tea
Lemonade

For a full Southern-inspired spread, serve alongside fried chicken sliders or loaded potato skins.

Make Ahead & Storage

Freezing Before Frying:
Prepare and bread sticks, then freeze up to 1 month.

Reheating:
Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry 5 minutes.

Avoid Microwave:
It makes the coating soggy.

Why Bacon + Nashville Heat Works

Bacon adds smoky richness that balances the spicy heat beautifully. The fat from the bacon enhances the buttery cayenne glaze, creating layers of flavor in every bite.

This combination makes these bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks feel gourmet and indulgent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes. Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I use block mozzarella?
Yes, cut into sticks and freeze well before breading.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Final Thoughts

These Nashville Hot Bacon Mozzarella Sticks bring together crispy texture, smoky bacon, fiery heat, and stretchy melted cheese in one unforgettable appetizer. Perfect for autumn gatherings, game nights, or whenever you want something bold and comforting.

If you love Southern-inspired flavors with a modern twist, this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.

Get ready for crunchy, cheesy, spicy perfection — and don’t forget the ranch dip.