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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 23 reviews

Crispy, spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks featuring double-breaded mozzarella fried to golden perfection and tossed in a bold, buttery cayenne pepper sauce for an irresistible appetizer with a kick.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

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

  1. Freeze the Cheese Sticks: Place mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This prevents them from melting too quickly when frying.
  2. Prepare the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, add flour. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk. In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into the flour, coating evenly. Next, dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage. Roll in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer of crispiness. Place coated sticks back in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
  4. 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 place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  5. Make the Nashville Hot Coating: In a bowl, mix melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well combined. Brush or toss the hot butter mixture over the crispy mozzarella sticks for that bold Nashville flavor.
  6. Serve & Enjoy! Serve immediately with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

  • Freeze the cheese well before frying to keep them from bursting.
  • Double coat with breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy texture.
  • Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
  • For less spice, reduce the cayenne in the hot butter coating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, spicy fried cheese sticks, crispy mozzarella appetizer, Nashville hot sauce, mozzarella finger food

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/nashville-hot-mozzarella-sticks-recipe/