Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a bold and spicy twist on the classic fried cheese snack, coated in a crispy seasoned breadcrumb crust and tossed in a flavorful Nashville hot butter sauce. Perfect for a party appetizer or a tasty snack, these mozzarella sticks deliver a fiery kick with every bite while maintaining a gooey, melty center.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1½ cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- Cooking oil (for frying)
For the Nashville Hot Coating:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Freeze the Cheese Sticks: Place mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent them from melting too quickly during frying.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Dip each frozen mozzarella stick first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating. Place the breaded sticks back in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry 3-4 mozzarella sticks at a time for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make the Nashville Hot Coating: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until combined. Brush or toss the hot fried mozzarella sticks in this sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately with your choice of ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before and after breading is key to preventing them from melting too fast during frying.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level in both the breading and the hot coating.
- For crispier sticks, double breading is recommended.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 375°F for even cooking and crispy crusts.
- Serving with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese balances the spiciness perfectly.
Keywords: Nashville hot, mozzarella sticks, spicy appetizer, fried cheese sticks, party snacks, panko breaded, deep fried
Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/nashville-hot-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/
