Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Makes about 12 sticks

Ingredients:

12 mozzarella sticks

12 strips bacon

¼ cup hot sauce (preferably Nashville hot sauce)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)

Instructions:

Prepare the Bacon: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lay out the bacon strips and cook until slightly crispy but still pliable. Drain on paper towels.

Wrap the Mozzarella: Wrap each mozzarella stick with a strip of bacon. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.

Season the Bacon: In a small bowl, mix hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. Brush the mixture over the bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks.

Bake: Arrange the wrapped mozzarella sticks on a greased baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted