🔥 Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks (Oven + Air Fryer Recipe)

Craving something cheesy, spicy, crispy, and downright addictive? Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate flavor bomb—melty mozzarella wrapped in crispy bacon, coated in fiery hot sauce, and cooked to perfection. Whether you use your oven or air fryer, this recipe delivers big-time heat and serious satisfaction.

The Story Behind the Sizzle

This recipe came to life on a chill evening while reminiscing about a trip to Nashville. Inspired by the iconic hot chicken spice blend and a deep love for cheese-based snacks, the idea was simple: combine the bold, smoky heat of Nashville hot sauce with the creamy texture of mozzarella and the crispness of bacon. One experimental batch later—and it was love at first bite. Since then, it’s become a must-make appetizer for parties, weekend snacks, or late-night cravings.

🛒 Ingredients

• 8 mozzarella sticks

• 8 slices of bacon

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

🔥 How to Make Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Make the Hot Sauce Glaze

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Hot sauce

• Cayenne pepper

• Smoked paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Black pepper

• Melted butter

Set aside your spicy glaze.

Step 2: Wrap the Cheese

Wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of bacon. Use toothpicks if needed to hold the bacon in place.

Step 3: Brush with Sauce

Generously coat each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick with the hot sauce mixture.

🧑‍🍳 Oven Version

Step 4: Bake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Place the wrapped sticks on the sheet.

4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and cheese begins to melt.

5. Let cool slightly and remove any toothpicks before serving.

🍽️ Air Fryer Version

Step 4: Air Fry

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly grease the basket or use parchment liners.

3. Place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks in the basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

4. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bacon is crisp and golden.

5. Let them cool for 2 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving.

🔄 Variations & Tips

✅ Customize the Spice

• Mild version: Omit or reduce the cayenne pepper.

• Sweeter twist: Add a drizzle of honey before serving.

• Extra heat: Use ghost pepper or habanero hot sauce.

🧀 Cheese Swaps

• Try pepper jack, cheddar, or smoked mozzarella for a new spin.

🔥 Make Them Extra Crispy

• For oven: Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes.

• For air fryer: Add 1 extra minute at 400°F for extra crispiness.

🧡 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re using an oven or an air fryer, these Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are sure to steal the show. They’re easy, impressive, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Perfect for parties, gamedays, or solo snack attacks—this recipe is your new spicy, cheesy go-to.