Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Crispy and spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks offer a fiery twist on the classic fried cheese snack. Thick sticks of whole milk mozzarella are double-breaded, frozen, and fried to golden perfection before being generously coated in a rich, buttery cayenne glaze. This recipe balances heat, smokiness, and sweetness for an addictive appetizer perfect for game day or parties.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Sticks
- 1 lb block whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Nashville Hot Glaze
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp hot sauce
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Slice Mozzarella: Cut the 1 lb mozzarella block into thick sticks approximately 3 inches long and ½ inch thick to ensure they hold shape during frying.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with the combined breadcrumbs seasoned with cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Cheese: Dip each mozzarella stick first in flour, then egg, followed by the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer.
- Freeze: Place the breaded sticks on a tray and freeze them for 15-20 minutes to help prevent cheese leakage during frying.
- Heat Oil and Fry: Heat avocado oil in a deep pan to 375°F. Fry the sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
- Make the Nashville Hot Glaze: In a saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), hot sauce, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Coat in Glaze and Serve: Dip each fried mozzarella stick into the spicy glaze to thoroughly coat it. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the coated sticks before frying is crucial to prevent cheese from oozing out during frying.
- Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce to your desired spice level.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 375°F for optimal frying results.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and gooey cheese experience.
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