Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: Spicy Indulgence

Delicious Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy indulgence for your taste buds.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 sticks

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

Vegetarian Casserole Ingredients

3 cups Bell Peppers Adds sweetness and crunch; feel free to mix colors for visual appeal.
2 cups Zucchini Provides moisture and a tender texture; can substitute with yellow squash if preferred.
1 cup Onion Offers foundational flavor; using shallots can give a milder taste.
2 cups Tomatoes Use fresh or canned to create a rich base; fire-roasted tomatoes add wonderful depth.
4 cups Vegetable Broth Acts as the cooking liquid; opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness.
1 cup Cheese (e.g., Cheddar or Mozzarella) Delivers creaminess and flavor; omit for a dairy-free version.
2 tablespoons Spices (e.g., Italian seasoning, garlic powder) Elevates the dish's flavor profile; adjust to suit your taste.
1 cup Frozen Spinach Boosts nutrition and color; can be swapped with fresh kale or Swiss chard for variety.

Optional Add-Ins

1 cup Cooked Beans or Lentils For an extra protein boost; adjust the liquid if adding these.
1 cup Quinoa or Rice Mix in for a more filling casserole; they work great with the flavors!

Equipment

Instant Pot

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Vegetarian Casserole

Sauté the Vegetables: Begin by turning your Instant Pot to the sauté setting. Add diced onions and colorful bell peppers, cooking for about 3–5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the peppers are tender.
Add Zucchini and Garlic: Once your onions and peppers are sautéed, stir in the sliced zucchini and minced garlic. Continue to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the zucchini softens slightly.
Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth: Add the canned or fresh tomatoes along with their juices into the pot. Pour in vegetable broth and sprinkle in your favorite spices.
Mix in the Spinach: Fold in the frozen spinach, making sure it's evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Pressure Cook the Casserole: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Choose the manual setting and adjust the time to 5 minutes.
Release Pressure and Stir in Cheese: Allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Carefully open the lid and stir in your cheese of choice.
Serve and Enjoy: Dish out the warm casserole while it's hot, garnishing with fresh herbs for brightness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1casseroleCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Customize your casserole with seasonal vegetables or alternative cheeses to suit your dietary needs.

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