Let me tell you about these Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks! They’re a game changer, trust me! Imagine taking that gooey, cheesy delight of a classic mozzarella stick and wrapping it in a spicy, seasoned ground beef blanket. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite! I remember making these for a game night with friends, and they disappeared faster than I could keep up with frying them. The heat from the Nashville seasoning really kicks things up a notch, turning a simple appetizer into something unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a fun snack, these sticks will definitely leave everyone asking for more. Seriously, who can resist that crispy exterior and melty cheese inside? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese sticks, frozen for easier handling
- 1 lb ground beef, cooked and seasoned with Nashville hot chicken seasoning
- 2 tbsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning, adjust to your heat preference
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, for that perfect crispy coating
- 1 cup flour, to dust the mozzarella sticks before dipping
- 2 large eggs, beaten, to help the breadcrumbs stick
- Oil for frying, enough to submerge the sticks (about 3-4 cups depending on your fryer)
How to Prepare Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get those Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks sizzling! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying these spicy treats in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, heat up your oil! Preheat your deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot for that perfect crispy exterior!
- While the oil is heating, grab a skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and crumbly. Make sure to drain any excess fat so we don’t end up with greasy sticks!
- Now, sprinkle in the Nashville hot chicken seasoning. Mix it well into the beef so every bite is packed with flavor. Trust me, this step is crucial for that spicy kick!
- Time to wrap! Take a mozzarella stick and carefully wrap it with a generous amount of seasoned beef. Make sure it’s fully covered; you don’t want any cheesy surprises peeking out!
- Prepare for the coating! First, dip each wrapped stick into the flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the egg stick better.
- Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, coating it thoroughly. This is where the breadcrumbs will cling on!
- Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumbs until it’s completely covered. Give it a gentle press to ensure that crispy coating sticks on tight.
- Once all your sticks are coated, it’s frying time! Carefully place them in the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for about 3-4 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
- When they’re done, remove the sticks and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let them cool for just a minute before digging in!
- Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and prepare for the flavor party that’s about to ensue!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: You can whip these up in just 25 minutes, making them perfect for unexpected guests or a last-minute snack!
- Unique flavor profile: The combination of spicy Nashville hot beef and gooey mozzarella creates a mouthwatering experience that’s anything but ordinary.
- Fun appetizer: These sticks are always a hit at parties, game nights, or family gatherings—everyone loves them!
- Crispy exterior: The golden brown breadcrumb coating gives each bite a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the melty cheese inside.
- Customizable heat: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste by using more or less Nashville hot seasoning.
- Perfect for dipping: Serve them with your favorite sauces for an added layer of flavor—think ranch, marinara, or even a spicy aioli!
Tips for Success
- Adjusting the heat: If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, start with less Nashville hot seasoning and gradually add more to your taste. You can always sprinkle a little more on after cooking if you want that extra kick!
- Frying technique: Make sure your oil is hot enough before you start frying—if it’s too cool, your sticks will absorb too much oil and become greasy. A thermometer is your best friend here!
- Batch frying: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer. This helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures that each stick gets a nice, even crisp.
- Alternative cooking methods: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can bake these instead! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let them cool: After frying, let your sticks sit on paper towels for a minute before serving. This allows any excess oil to drain off, keeping them crispy and delicious!
- Experiment with fillings: Feeling adventurous? Try adding a slice of jalapeño or a sprinkle of cheese inside the beef wrap for an extra burst of flavor!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for these scrumptious Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks. Keep in mind that actual values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 15g
This makes them a deliciously indulgent treat, perfect for sharing (or not!). Enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness while keeping in mind these estimates as you savor each crunchy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter version, you can bake these Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the sticks on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They’ll still be delicious, just with a different texture!
What dipping sauces pair well with these sticks?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! These spicy beauties are perfect with a cooling ranch dressing, a classic marinara sauce, or even a zesty spicy aioli. You could also try them with a creamy blue cheese dip or even some honey mustard for a sweet contrast. Whatever you choose, just get ready for a flavor explosion!
How can I adjust the spice level?
If you’re looking to customize the heat, start by using less of the Nashville hot chicken seasoning. You can always add more after cooking if you want that extra kick! Also, consider serving them with a cooling dip to balance out the spice. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect heat level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? No problem! These Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks can be stored easily so you can enjoy them later. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing. I like to place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just remember, the fresher, the better!
When you’re ready to feast again, reheating is key to keeping that crispy texture. I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re heated through and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, but be warned, they might lose some of that lovely crunch!
Enjoy every warm, cheesy, spicy bite as you relive the joy of your Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks!
[tasty-recipe id=”33012″]
