Sizzling Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Crispy beef-wrapped mozzarella sticks bring a Nashville hot twist to your snack game that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

Southern spice meets cheesy goodness in this irresistible combination.

Bold flavors burst through a crunchy exterior, promising an unforgettable bite.

Unexpected textures create a delightful culinary surprise that breaks traditional appetizer boundaries.

Each mouthwatering morsel combines melted cheese with fiery beef coating for maximum satisfaction.

Layers of heat and comfort merge in this crowd-pleasing recipe designed to impress.

You’ll want to master this epic snack that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience.

FAQs

• What is Nashville hot seasoning?

Nashville hot seasoning is a spicy blend typically featuring cayenne pepper, paprika, and other warm spices that create a fiery, tangy flavor profile originating from Nashville’s famous hot chicken tradition.

• Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

While mozzarella provides the classic stretch and mild flavor, you can experiment with other firm cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack that can hold their shape when wrapped in beef.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking?

Make sure to completely seal the beef around the mozzarella stick, ensuring no gaps or thin spots where cheese might escape. Press the beef firmly and evenly to create a tight seal.

• Is this dish considered spicy?

The recipe includes cayenne pepper, which adds significant heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit the cayenne to make it milder, or adjust the amount to suit your personal spice tolerance.

Why You’ll Love These Mozzarella Sticks

• Dive into a flavor explosion with this Nashville hot-inspired beef wrap that brings serious heat and excitement to your plate.
• Adjust the spice level by tweaking cayenne pepper amounts, making this recipe perfect for different taste preferences and heat tolerance.
• Transform classic mozzarella sticks into a hearty, protein-packed snack that's super simple to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy hungry crowds.
• Combine the familiar cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks with a protein-rich beef coating, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both children and adults.

Ingredients for Beef Wrapped Mozzarella

• Ground Beef: Hearty base for creating the flavorful meat wrap.

• Mozzarella Sticks: Creamy center that melts inside the beef coating.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that add depth and heat to the beef mixture.

How to Make Hot Beef Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Spice Up the Beef

Mix ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl.

Use your hands to blend the spices thoroughly into the meat, creating a vibrant and flavorful mixture that will give the wrapped mozzarella sticks a delicious kick.

Step 2: Wrap with Precision

Grab a mozzarella stick and take a small portion of the seasoned ground beef.

Gently flatten the beef between your palms, creating a thin, even layer.

Carefully wrap the beef around the mozzarella stick, making sure to completely encase the cheese.

Press the meat gently to seal the edges and ensure an even coating.

Step 3: Prepare for Cooking

Place the wrapped mozzarella sticks on a clean plate or baking sheet.

Make sure they are not touching each other to prevent sticking.

The wrapped sticks should look like neat, compact parcels with no cheese peeking through the beef coating.

Step 4: Create Nashville Hot Coating

• Hot sauce
• Melted butter
• Cayenne pepper
• Brown sugar
• Paprika

Whisk the ingredients until they form a smooth, vibrant red coating that will give the beef-wrapped mozzarella sticks their signature fiery flavor.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F.

Carefully lower the wrapped mozzarella sticks into the hot oil.

Fry until the beef turns golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Brush with Nashville Hot Sauce

Remove the fried beef-wrapped mozzarella sticks from the oil and immediately brush them generously with the prepared Nashville hot sauce.

The heat will help the sauce adhere and create a spicy, glossy exterior.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Nashville hot beef-wrapped mozzarella sticks to a serving plate.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Offer additional hot sauce on the side for those who love an extra punch of heat.

Tips for Nashville-Style Mozzarella Bites

• Select high-quality ground beef and mozzarella sticks for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your personal heat tolerance, adding more or less as desired.
• Ensure the ground beef completely covers the mozzarella stick without leaving any gaps to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
• Refrigerate wrapped mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes to help the beef adhere better and maintain its shape while cooking.
• Place cooked beef-wrapped mozzarella sticks on a paper towel to absorb extra grease and maintain a crispy exterior.

Storing & Reheating Mozzarella Sticks

• Store wrapped mozzarella sticks in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Keep frozen for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat to 375°F. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm for 10-12 minutes until cheese melts and beef is heated through.
• Cook at 350°F for 4-6 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even heating and crispy exterior.

Great Pairings for Mozzarella Sticks

• Spice Up Your Sips: Pair this fiery Nashville hot beef creation with a cold, crisp beer that cuts through the heat and complements the richness.
• Cool Down the Flame: Serve with a tangy blue cheese or ranch dressing dip to balance the spicy kick and provide a creamy contrast to the crispy beef coating.
• Wine Warrior Approach: Choose a bold red wine like zinfandel or syrah, which can stand up to the intense flavors and spicy notes of the Nashville-style beef.
• Citrus Rescue Beverage: Add a sparkling lemonade or citrus-infused cocktail to help neutralize the heat and refresh your palate between bites.

Unique Twists on Beef Wrapped Cheese Bites

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for coating, ensuring a crispy exterior while maintaining a low-carb profile.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu, seasoned with the same spice blend for a meat-free protein option.
• Spice-Level Adjustment: Modify the cayenne pepper quantity to create mild, medium, or extra-hot versions, catering to different heat tolerance levels.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free mozzarella-style cheese made from nuts or soy, wrapped in seasoned beef mixture for those with lactose restrictions.

Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Nashville Hot Beef Mozzarella Sticks blend fiery Southern spice with creamy cheese in a mouthwatering fusion. Crispy exterior gives way to molten mozzarella, creating an irresistible appetizer that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 0.5 pounds (226 grams) ground beef
• 8 mozzarella sticks (or cut a block of mozzarella into thick strips)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

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Instructions

1. Combine ground beef with a blend of zesty spices, creating a robust seasoning mix that will infuse the meat with intense flavor.
2. Gently stretch and flatten beef portions into thin, pliable sheets, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent wrapping.
3. Carefully encase each mozzarella stick with the seasoned beef, meticulously sealing the edges to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
4. Preheat the skillet or grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F) to achieve a perfectly seared exterior and juicy interior.
5. Place the beef-wrapped mozzarella sticks into the hot cooking surface, rotating periodically to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.
6. Cook for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the beef develops a crispy, caramelized crust and reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and cheese to settle.
8. Drizzle with Nashville-style hot sauce for an extra kick of spicy flavor, enhancing the rich, savory profile of the wrapped mozzarella sticks.
9. Serve immediately on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs or alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Seal the beef edges carefully to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking, creating a tight seal that keeps the mozzarella inside.
• Chill the wrapped sticks for 15-30 minutes before cooking to help the beef adhere better and maintain its shape when frying or baking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches 160°F internally while keeping the mozzarella perfectly melted and gooey.
• Adjust the heat level by modifying cayenne pepper amount – less for mild flavor, more for extra Nashville-style spiciness that tingles your taste buds.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg