Description
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy twist on the classic fried cheese snack. These crispy, breaded sticks are double-coated with a seasoned breadcrumb mixture infused with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, then deep-fried to golden perfection. After frying, they’re brushed with a flavorful blend of melted butter and hot sauce to give that iconic Nashville heat. Perfect as an appetizer or game day treat, they’re best served with cooling dips like ranch, honey mustard, or marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (cut in half for smaller portions, optional)
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Finishing Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Dipping Sauces
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoned flour: In one bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with ½ teaspoon of the Nashville hot seasoning (a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper).
- Make the egg wash: In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
- Combine breadcrumb mixture: In a third bowl, thoroughly mix the seasoned breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, and the remaining Nashville hot seasoning spices.
- First flour coating: Dip each mozzarella stick into the seasoned flour, ensuring it is completely coated to help the egg wash stick.
- Egg wash coating: Next, dip the floured mozzarella stick into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off to avoid sogginess.
- Apply breadcrumb coating: Roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
- Double coating: Repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb coating once more for an extra crispy crust that seals the cheese inside during frying.
- Freeze before frying: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least one hour. This step prevents the cheese from leaking out when fried.
- Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil to submerge the sticks.
- Deep fry mozzarella sticks: Fry the frozen sticks in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes each, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried sticks using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Prepare hot butter sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with hot sauce to create the Nashville hot glaze.
- Brush with hot sauce: Generously brush the spicy butter mixture over the freshly fried mozzarella sticks to infuse them with heat and flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately with ranch dressing, honey mustard, and marinara sauce for dipping and enjoy your crispy, spicy treat!
Notes
- Freezing the sticks before frying is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting out prematurely.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the seasoning to increase or decrease the spice level according to your preference.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for perfect frying results.
- Double coating is essential for an extra crispy exterior that holds the cheese inside well.
- Ensure all sauces are ready beforehand since the sticks are best served hot and crispy.
