Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Makes About 12 Sticks

Ingredients:

• 12 mozzarella sticks
• 12 strips bacon
• ¼ cup hot sauce (preferably Nashville hot sauce)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

Prepare the Bacon Wrap:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wrap each mozzarella stick tightly with one strip of bacon, starting at one end and overlapping slightly as you go. Secure the ends with toothpicks.

Make the Nashville Hot Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix the hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined.

Brush the Bacon:
Place the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this helps keep them crispy).
Brush the hot sauce mixture generously over the bacon-wrapped sticks.

Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and fully cooked. Rotate the sticks halfway through for even browning.

Cool Slightly:
Allow the mozzarella sticks to cool for 3-5 minutes to firm up before serving (this helps prevent cheese from oozing out).

Serve:
Remove toothpicks and plate the sticks. Serve with ranch dressing, extra hot sauce, or marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips:

1. Extra Crispiness: For even crispier bacon, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking.
2. Prevent Cheese Leakage: Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes before wrapping with bacon.

3. Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate the sticks a few hours in advance, then bake when ready.
4. Enjoy your spicy, cheesy, and crispy Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks!