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This Nashville Hot Turkey Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks recipe combines bold Southern flavors with crispy, gooey cheese for an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer you can make in just 30 minutes. With turkey bacon, mozzarella sticks, and a Nashville-inspired spiced breading, these hot, cheesy bites are perfect for busy weeknights, game day parties, or last minute snacks. Everything comes together quickly, and you can even prep them ahead for ultimate convenience.
I first made this Nashville hot turkey bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks recipe for my family during a movie night, and it was instantly a favorite. The mix of smoky turkey bacon, stretchy melted cheese, and boldly spiced breading keeps everyone coming back for more. These are now my must have for parties and potlucks, and I love experimenting with extra heat using different hot sauces and peppers to keep things exciting.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Mozzarella string cheese sticks: Firm and perfect for breading, use full fat mozzarella for the best creamy melt and stretchy cheese pulls; opt for sticks with minimal additives for clean flavor, and swap in vegan mozzarella if needed.
- Turkey bacon: Brings a smoky crunch while keeping fat content lower than pork bacon; any brand works, but turkey bacon with pepper edges adds extra zing, or use plant based bacon for a vegan version.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for coating and helping breadcrumbs stick; you can use a gluten free flour blend for celiac friendly mozzarella sticks with the same crispy texture.
- Large eggs: Binds the coating for an even, crisp shell, and allows double dipping for a thicker crust; egg replacers work for a plant-based swap.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, cohesive egg wash, lending golden color and making coating transition seamless, with plant milk as a dairy free alternative.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs: Provides crunch and extra layers of flavor; opt for panko for extra crispiness or gluten free brands for allergens, and season well for signature spice.
- Cayenne pepper: Delivers the classic Nashville hot kick; adjust the quantity for your preferred spice level, or swap for chipotle chili powder for smokiness.
- Smoked paprika: Adds depth and a smoky warmth that plays perfectly with the turkey bacon, making each bite more complex, and can be replaced with regular paprika for less smoke.
- Hot sauce: Infuses every layer with tang and heat; any favorite brand brings a personal touch and can dial the intensity up or down.
- Oil for frying or air fryer spray: Use a neutral, high heat oil like canola or avocado for shallow frying, or select an air fryer spray to achieve a crispy golden crust without excess grease.
How to Make Nashville Hot Turkey Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze the Mozzarella for Structure:
- Place all unwrapped mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes until very firm. This step prevents the cheese from leaking out when frying or air frying and helps the sticks maintain their shape, so you get perfect gooey centers every time.
- Wrap Each Cheese Stick with Turkey Bacon:
- Take one slice of turkey bacon and wrap it snugly around each mozzarella stick, overlapping so no cheese peeks through. Secure the ends with a toothpick if necessary, especially for thicker slices. Freeze the wrapped sticks for another 15 minutes to set the bacon in place for crisp cooking.
- Set Up a Breading Station:
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, milk, and hot sauce, and the third with seasoned breadcrumbs, cayenne, and smoked paprika. This assembly line guarantees an even, flavorful coating with the classic Nashville hot kick.
- Dip, Coat, and Freeze Again:
- Roll each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat in the spiced breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. For extra crunch, repeat with a second dip in egg and breadcrumbs. Lay on a parchment lined tray and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes to hold the coating together during cooking.
- Fry or Air Fry for Crispiness:
- For frying, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F and cook 3 or 4 sticks at a time for 2 to 3 minutes, turning for even browning. Drain on paper towels and let cool slightly. For air frying, arrange sticks in a single layer, spray generously, and air fry at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, turning halfway for maximum crisp. Adjust times if cheese leaks, and always taste test one for best results.
My youngest is obsessed with the smoky turkey bacon, and upping the cayenne in the breading turns every bite into a real Nashville treat. We love pulling frozen sticks out during impromptu celebrations or after school snack cravings. Keeping a stash in the freezer means we are always ready to host friends or turn out a restaurant-worthy platter at a moment's notice.
Smart Swaps and Variations
You can easily adapt these Nashville hot turkey bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks to suit your needs. Switch to gluten free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac safe appetizer or try plant-based mozzarella with seitan or vegan bacon for a dairy and meat free version. To adjust the spice, add extra cayenne or use a milder hot sauce. Try pepper jack cheese for more heat or swap seasoned panko for a crunchier crust—every tweak delivers something new for your next snack spread.
How to Store and Reheat Nashville Hot Turkey Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
For best storage, let cooked mozzarella sticks cool completely before placing them in a single layer in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze breaded uncooked sticks on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake chilled or frozen sticks at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes or air fry at 400°F until crisp and melty—no need to thaw first. Store with parchment between layers to prevent sticking for mess free serving.
What to Serve with Nashville Hot Turkey Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
These spicy, melty mozzarella sticks are ideal for party platters and game day spreads. Pair them with classic ranch or blue cheese dip, a dollop of cooling yogurt, or even a spicy hot sauce dip for fans of extra heat. They work well alongside fresh veggies, cornbread muffins, crispy fries, or as part of a finger food buffet next to wings or sliders—round things out with cold drinks like lemonade or a crisp lager for the perfect match.
Nutritional Benefits
Nashville hot turkey bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks offer a satisfying balance of protein, calcium, and fiber thanks to their main ingredients. The turkey bacon and cheese bring lean protein and healthy dairy, while air frying or baking cuts fat for a lighter dish. Making them gluten free or dairy free is easy with simple swaps, and the hot spices deliver flavor without added sugar or carbs.
Recipe Success Tips
The key to crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks is chilling the coated sticks before cooking to prevent cheese leaks and sogginess. Always test one stick first to fine tune cook time for your skillet or air fryer, and use a double coating or panko for maximum crunch. When using an air fryer, spacing and flipping ensure even browning, so every batch turns out picture perfect.
Nashville hot turkey bacon wrapped mozzarella sticks are my go to for spicy, melty finger food that everyone loves. Give this crowd favorite a try and find out just how quickly they vanish from your next party spread.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I keep the mozzarella from melting out while cooking?
Freezing the wrapped mozzarella before breading and cooking helps maintain shape and keeps cheese from leaking out too soon during frying.
- → Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, you can use regular bacon, but turkey bacon makes for a leaner bite and adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the hot spices.
- → Is it possible to bake or air fry instead of deep frying?
Absolutely! Air frying gives a crispy finish with less oil, and baking works as well, though the mozzarella sticks may not be as browned as frying.
- → What dipping sauces go well with these mozzarella sticks?
Ranch, blue cheese, or a simple marinara sauce balance the heat and complement the spicy, savory flavors of the mozzarella sticks.
- → Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded, bacon wrapped sticks for up to a month. Cook straight from frozen for best results.