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