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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks offer a crispy, spicy, and flavorful twist on the classic cheesy appetizer. Coated in a smoky Nashville-style hot sauce glaze and extra-crispy breading, these snacks bring a bold heat balanced by melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for game days, parties, or quick indulgent treats, they’re quick, easy, and customizable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Cheese and Base Ingredients

  • Mozzarella Cheese Sticks – 12 sticks
  • All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup
  • Eggs – 2 large, beaten
  • Panko Breadcrumbs – 2 cups

Hot Chicken Seasoning Mix

  • Cayenne Pepper – 2 tsp (adjust to spice preference)
  • Smoked Paprika – 1 tsp
  • Garlic Powder – 1 tsp
  • Brown Sugar – 1 tbsp
  • Salt – pinch

Glaze Ingredients

  • Butter – 4 tbsp
  • Additional Cayenne, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Brown Sugar, and Salt (same as seasoning, mixed into butter)

Frying

  • Vegetable Oil – enough for deep frying (about 4 cups)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with 1 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten eggs, and one with 2 cups panko breadcrumbs mixed thoroughly with 2 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. This ensures a spicy and crispy coating for each mozzarella stick.
  2. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, followed by the spicy breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crunchy coating, repeat dipping once more in the egg and breadcrumbs.
  3. Freeze the Coated Sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. Freezing helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying and keeps each stick intact.
  4. Make the Nashville Hot Glaze: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt (quantities matching the seasoning mix) until fully combined, creating a vibrant and spicy butter glaze.
  5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). In batches, fry the frozen coated sticks for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels immediately to remove excess oil.
  6. Toss in Spicy Butter Glaze: While still hot, gently toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the prepared Nashville hot butter glaze until evenly coated for that signature spicy flavor.

Notes

  • Freeze coated sticks thoroughly to prevent cheese leakage during frying.
  • Double dipping in egg and breadcrumbs yields an extra crispy texture.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and a perfect golden crust.
  • Drain excess oil on paper towels to keep sticks crisp, not soggy.
  • Adjust cayenne and paprika quantities in the glaze to customize heat levels.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot, mozzarella sticks, spicy appetizer, crispy snack, fried cheese sticks, game day recipes

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