Can I air fry these instead of baking them?

Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, checking frequently. The air fryer actually gives these an even crispier exterior while keeping the cheese perfectly melty inside. Just be sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow proper air circulation.

Why did my cheese leak out during baking?

This usually happens when the cheese gets too hot too quickly. Make sure your cheese is cold before wrapping, and consider freezing the wrapped sticks for 10 minutes before baking. Also, check that your bacon is wrapped securely with slight overlapping to create a good seal.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?

While the bacon is key to the traditional version, you could try plant-based bacon alternatives. Another option is to coat halloumi cheese (which has a higher melting point) with the Nashville hot seasonings and bake or pan-fry until golden. It won't be exactly the same, but still delivers that spicy cheese experience.

How can I make these for a larger crowd?

This recipe doubles or triples beautifully! For larger batches, prepare them all at once but bake in shifts to ensure proper cooking. You can keep the first batches warm in a 200°F oven while the rest cook. Consider making the Nashville hot sauce in a larger quantity and storing extra in the refrigerator for up to a week for future use.

Low Carb Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Name: Low Carb Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
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

Description

A fiery twist on a classic favorite, these Low Carb Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a perfect combination of smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness. Wrapped with crispy bacon and infused with bold, tantalizing flavors, they make for a standout appetizer or snack that’s sure to excite your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mozzarella Sticks

8 mozzarella sticks
8 slices of bacon

For the Nashville Hot Sauce

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

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and melted butter until well-combined. This mixture will provide the spicy, smoky kick for your mozzarella sticks.
Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks
Take each mozzarella stick and carefully wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon. If needed, secure the ends of the bacon using toothpicks to hold it in place during cooking.
Brush with Sauce
Generously brush the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks with the prepared Nashville hot sauce, ensuring each stick is well-coated for maximum flavor.
Bake
Arrange the prepared mozzarella sticks on the parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese begins to melt.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the mozzarella sticks to cool slightly for a few minutes. Carefully remove any toothpicks before serving. These are best enjoyed warm!

Notes

For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for unique taste variations.
For a smokier flavor, substitute regular mozzarella with smoked mozzarella cheese.
To achieve even crisper bacon, you can broil the mozzarella sticks for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking—but watch closely to avoid burning.
A drizzle of honey can add a sweet contrast to the spicy heat, creating a well-balanced dish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
Calories: 190kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 35mg