Open Face Tomato Bacon Sandwich

Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks: Phyllo dough rolled up with spicy hot honey, slices of pepperoni, melty mozzarella, and provolone cheese, then baked until they’re golden, crispy, and perfectly warm. Each stick gets a sprinkle of garlicky parmesan and an extra drizzle of that hot honey. These are such a hit for game nights or holiday gatherings—always a crowd-pleaser! A super easy appetizer that everyone loves.

I wanted to create a baked mozzarella stick with pepperoni and hot honey—though they ended up looking more like little rolls. No matter, they’re absolutely delicious! And since I’m deep in fall recipe mode, I knew these would be perfect for tailgating or cozy game nights at home.

Honestly, I’m all about a good game-day (or night!) appetizer.

Once I decided to make these mozzarella sticks, I got a little creative. Instead of frying them, I wrapped slices of mozzarella and provolone in flaky phyllo dough.

Some sticks might ooze cheese, while others stay perfectly intact. Either way, they taste amazing. They’re the ideal appetizer for any occasion—whether it’s a tailgate, holiday cocktail party, or dinner gathering. Trust me, everyone goes crazy for them!

Working With Phyllo Dough
Phyllo dough can seem a little intimidating, but it’s totally manageable if you keep it covered with a damp towel while working.

Since phyllo is so thin, it tears easily—just take your time when assembling. And like I said, keep it covered. If it dries out, it’ll crack and get frustrating to handle.

Also, don’t worry if your first roll isn’t perfect. Have extra sheets ready, and by the end, you’ll be a pro at rolling these up.

Step 1: Make the Hot Honey
Just simmer honey with jalapeños until the honey absorbs all that spicy heat—about 5 minutes.

Then, finish it off with a pinch of flaky sea salt. So simple!

Step 2: Prep the Sticks
I use Pepperidge Farm frozen phyllo dough (the rectangular sheets). It’s the most widely available, and I find it the easiest to work with.

Lay a sheet flat, then fold it in half for a double layer. The extra thickness makes it way easier to handle.

Step 3: Add the Filling
Layer one slice of pepperoni, one slice of mozzarella, and half a slice of provolone on the dough. Then, toss on a couple of those honey-soaked jalapeños.

Step 4: Roll Them Up
Roll each one up like a burrito—fold the sides in over the filling, then roll to seal. The first few might be tricky, but you’ll get the hang of it!

Like I said, not every stick will look perfect. That’s fine! Even the messy ones are so good.

Step 5: Bake
Pop them in the oven—your kitchen will smell incredible. When they come out, they should be golden brown and sizzling.

About half of mine usually end up with cheese oozing out, but honestly, that’s the best part. The escaped cheese gets crispy and caramelized—so good! Snack on it or scoop it up to serve with each stick.

Step 6: Serve
Top the sticks with a mix of parmesan and garlic, then—of course—drizzle on more hot honey!

I can’t wait to make these for Sunday night games and all the upcoming holidays! They’re perfect for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, and every festive party in between. Plus, they’re actually kinda pretty. So excited for all the deliciousness ahead!