Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks 
Get ready to spice up snack time with these Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks! A fiery twist on a classic appetizer, these crispy, cheesy delights are wrapped in smoky bacon and coated in a spicy Nashville-inspired seasoning. Perfect for parties or indulgent cravings!
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
12 slices of bacon (thin-cut recommended)
Toothpicks
For the Nashville Hot Seasoning:
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
2 cups (480ml) vegetable oil (or enough for shallow frying)
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped
Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
Wrap each piece of mozzarella tightly with a slice of bacon, ensuring full coverage to seal in the cheese. Secure the ends with toothpicks.
Place the wrapped sticks on a plate and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
2. Make the Nashville Hot Seasoning:
In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Fry the Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks:
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the frozen bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in batches, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden (about 3–4 minutes).
Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
4. Coat with Nashville Hot Seasoning:
While the mozzarella sticks are still hot, sprinkle them generously with the Nashville hot seasoning for a spicy kick.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the sticks on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.