What is Nashville hot bacon and how is it different from regular bacon?

Nashville hot bacon is a spicy twist on traditional bacon that’s coated with a blend of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and other hot spices. Unlike regular bacon, which is typically cured and smoked with a mild flavor, Nashville hot bacon brings a bold, fiery kick inspired by Nashville hot chicken seasoning. The spicy coating is usually added after cooking, giving the bacon a crunchy, flavorful crust that makes it perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or adding heat to your breakfast dishes.

How can I make Nashville hot bacon at home?

To make Nashville hot bacon at home, start by frying or baking your favorite bacon until crispy. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Brush the spicy butter mixture onto the hot bacon slices immediately after cooking so the spices stick well. Let the bacon sit for a minute to absorb the flavors, then serve. Adjust the cayenne pepper amount depending on your heat preference.

What dishes pair well with Nashville hot bacon?

Nashville hot bacon pairs well with breakfast items like scrambled eggs, biscuits, and waffles, adding a spicy contrast to mild flavors. It’s also great in sandwiches, especially with turkey or chicken, and can spice up burgers or salads. For a creative snack, wrap hot bacon around jalapeño poppers or use it as a topping on mac and cheese. Its bold flavor complements creamy, cheesy, or slightly sweet dishes by adding heat and depth.

Is Nashville hot bacon very spicy for most people?

Nashville hot bacon is moderately spicy and typically carries a noticeable but manageable heat level. The heat mainly comes from cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted depending on personal tolerance. For those sensitive to spice, you can reduce the cayenne or balance it with a bit of brown sugar in the seasoning mix. Most people who enjoy hot sauces or spicy snacks find Nashville hot bacon pleasantly spicy without being overwhelming.

Can I store Nashville hot bacon for later use?

Yes, you can store Nashville hot bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Because the spicy coating is added after cooking, the bacon may lose some crispiness over time. To refresh, reheat it briefly in a hot skillet or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the bacon soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked and seasoned bacon in a sealed bag for up to a month.

Nashville Hot Bacon Cheese Sticks Recipe With Mozzarella

Name: Nashville Hot Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 8 mozzarella sticks; – 8 slices of bacon; – 1/4 cup hot sauce; – 2 tablespoons melted butter; – 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; – Toothpicks for securing

Ingredients

– 8 mozzarella sticks

– 8 slices of bacon

– 1/4 cup hot sauce

– 2 tablespoons melted butter

– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– Toothpicks for securing

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Instructions

1-First: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.

2-Next: wrap each of the 8 mozzarella sticks tightly with a slice of bacon and secure the ends with toothpicks to hold everything in place.

3-Then: in a small bowl, mix together the 1/4 cup hot sauce, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to create the spicy coating.

4-Brushing and Baking Steps: Brush the mixture generously onto each bacon-wrapped mozzarella stick for full flavor coverage. Place the sticks on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon turns crispy and the cheese melts inside. Finally, let them cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns and enjoy the gooey center.

Last Step:

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Notes

🌶️ Adjust cayenne pepper or use milder hot sauce to control spice level.
🔥 Increase smoked paprika for a stronger smoky flavor.
🧀 Try different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for variety.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stick