If you’re looking for a snack that packs a punch, let me introduce you to my Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks! These little bites are a spicy twist on the classic cheesy favorite, combining the fiery flavors of Nashville hot chicken with gooey, melty mozzarella. Trust me, when you take that first crispy bite, the intense heat paired with the creamy cheese is pure magic! I stumbled upon this recipe during a late-night cooking adventure, and it quickly became a go-to for gatherings. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun evening at home. Seriously, once you try these Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks, you’ll find it hard to go back to plain old mozzarella sticks. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup Nashville hot seasoning
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1 package of egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
How to Prepare Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks
Alright, let’s get into the fun part—making these Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll be in cheesy, spicy heaven in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be all set!
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
First things first, heat a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the ground beef. Sprinkle in that Nashville hot seasoning like it’s confetti! Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. Make sure to break up any clumps so it gets nice and crumbly. Trust me, the aroma will be intoxicating!
Step 2: Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks
Now comes the fun part! Take a mozzarella stick and grab a handful of that delicious cooked beef. You’ll want to wrap the beef around the stick, completely covering it. Don’t worry if you have to mold it a bit—just make sure it’s all sealed in there. Repeat this for all the mozzarella sticks. They’re already looking tasty, aren’t they?
Step 3: Prepare Egg Roll Wrappers
Next up, let’s get those egg roll wrappers ready! Lay one wrapper on a clean surface with a corner facing you, like a diamond shape. Place your beef-covered mozzarella stick in the center, then fold the bottom corner up over the stick. Next, fold in the sides, and then roll it up tightly towards the top corner. Make sure to seal the edges with a little water to keep everything together. You want these babies to stay wrapped tight while frying!
Step 4: Frying the Sticks
Time to fry! Heat about an inch of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You’ll want it hot but not smoking—around 350°F (175°C) is perfect. Carefully add a few wrapped sticks to the pan, making sure not to crowd them. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Oh, the sizzling sound will get your taste buds dancing!
Step 5: Draining
Once they’re beautifully golden, use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This is super important—let them drain for a minute or two to soak up any excess oil. Trust me; you don’t want them greasy! Now, you’re ready to serve them hot and enjoy that cheesy, spicy goodness!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks turn out perfectly, here are my top tips! First off, if you’re a spice lover like me, feel free to amp up the Nashville hot seasoning. But if you prefer a milder heat, start with less and taste as you go. Also, ensure your oil is at the right temperature—too low and they’ll absorb oil, too high and they might burn. A good test is to drop a small piece of bread in; if it sizzles right away, you’re good to go!
And don’t skip the dipping sauces! Ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs wonderfully with the heat, cooling things down just right. Lastly, always let them drain on paper towels after frying to keep them crispy and not greasy. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your snack game to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
These Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks are not just delicious; they also come with some nutritional insights! Each stick is estimated to contain around 150 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 10 grams of protein. You’ll also find about 5 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of sugar in each serving. Remember, these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to check your labels. But don’t let the numbers scare you—sometimes, it’s all about enjoying that spicy, cheesy goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I make these in the oven instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake these Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the wrapped sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary! You’ll still get that delightful crunch without the extra oil!
What dipping sauces pair well with these sticks?
Oh, the dipping sauce possibilities are endless! My favorites are classic ranch and creamy blue cheese dressing—they perfectly balance the heat from the Nashville hot beef. You might also enjoy a tangy honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. Feel free to get creative and serve a variety of sauces for your guests to choose from. Trust me, they’ll love the options!
Can I freeze Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks?
Yes, you can definitely freeze these tasty treats! After you’ve prepared and cooled the sticks, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake directly from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw—easy peasy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: These Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks bring together spicy, cheesy goodness that’ll tantalize your taste buds with every bite!
- Easy to Make: The preparation is super straightforward, making it a fun and enjoyable cooking experience, perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Snack Appeal: They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a snack at home, these sticks will disappear in no time.
- Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spice level to fit your taste, so everyone can enjoy them, from mild to wild!
- Perfect for Dipping: Pair them with your favorite sauces like ranch or blue cheese for a delicious contrast to the spiciness.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for an easy snack or appetizer anytime you need a quick fix!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these irresistible Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store them, let the sticks cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to layer them with paper towels to absorb any moisture—this helps keep them crispy!
When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheating is key! For the best results, pop them back in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re heated through and nice and crispy again. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a microwave, but I recommend just a quick blast to warm them up—microwaving them too long can make them a bit chewy. So, if you want that delightful crunch back, stick with the oven method! Enjoy your spicy, cheesy snack all over again!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving these Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks, think of creating a fun and flavorful spread that complements their spicy, cheesy goodness! Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- Fresh Veggies: Serve a platter of crunchy celery and carrot sticks on the side. They add a refreshing crunch and help cool down the heat.
- Classic Sides: Pair them with classic appetizers like buffalo wings or jalapeño poppers for a full-on snack fest!
- Slaw: A zesty coleslaw can add a nice contrast to the richness of the sticks. The tanginess will balance the flavors beautifully.
- Beer or Cocktails: Don’t forget to offer some cold drinks! A crisp lager or a refreshing cocktail like a mojito can really complement the spicy profile of the dish.
- Cheese Board: Create a mini cheese board with assorted cheeses, crackers, and some spicy pickles for a delightful nibbling experience.
Mix and match these serving suggestions to create an unforgettable snack spread that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!
Print
Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: 5 Steps to Joy!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks are a spicy and cheesy snack that combines the flavors of Nashville hot chicken with gooey mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup Nashville hot seasoning
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1 package of egg roll wrappers
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Cook ground beef with Nashville hot seasoning until browned.
- Wrap each mozzarella stick with a layer of cooked beef.
- Wrap the beef-covered sticks in egg roll wrappers.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the wrapped sticks until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Nashville hot seasoning.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: nashville hot beef wrapped mozzarella sticks
