Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks bring a fiery twist to a classic favorite. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these spicy snacks are perfect for game day or any time you want a bold bite.

Ingredients

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the flour in one bowl, beat the eggs in a second bowl, and combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, panko, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
2. Step 2: Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, dip in eggs and breadcrumbs a second time.
3. Step 3: Arrange the breaded sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
4. Step 4: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per side.
5. Step 5: Drain the fried sticks on paper towels, then toss or brush them with an extra mix of melted butter combined with paprika and cayenne for the classic Nashville hot flavor.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Double-dipping in the egg and breadcrumb mixture creates a thicker crust that helps prevent cheese from oozing out while frying.
• For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper to half or omit it entirely.
• Try serving with ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.

Storage

Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to help maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the cheese to become rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, bread the sticks and freeze them as instructed. Keep them in the freezer until ready to fry to ensure they hold their shape and don’t leak cheese.

What oil is best for frying mozzarella sticks?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for best results and safety when frying.

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 76 reviews

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy twist on a classic appetizer, featuring crispy fried mozzarella coated with a flavorful blend of paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Perfect as a bold snack or party appetizer, these sticks deliver a satisfying crunch with a molten cheesy center, all enhanced by a fiery Nashville hot seasoning.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Cheese

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks

Breading

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Spices

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Oil

• Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)

Instructions

1. Prepare the breading station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour in the first, beat the eggs in the second, and mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with panko, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.
2. Bread the mozzarella sticks: Coat each mozzarella stick first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Freeze the breaded sticks: Arrange the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese leakage during frying.
4. Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use enough oil to fully submerge the sticks.
5. Fry the mozzarella sticks: Carefully fry the frozen sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot.
6. Drain and toss in Nashville hot seasoning: Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. While still hot, brush or toss the sticks lightly with additional melted butter mixed with cayenne and paprika for the authentic Nashville hot flavor.
7. Serve immediately: Serve the spicy, crispy mozzarella sticks hot with your choice of dipping sauce such as ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

• Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks is crucial to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
• Use a thermometer to maintain the frying oil temperature for even cooking and crispiness.
• Leftover Nashville hot seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for future use.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Keywords: Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, spicy mozzarella sticks, fried cheese sticks, appetizer recipe, southern spicy cheese sticks