Description
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect combination of crispy, gooey cheese and spicy, bold flavor. Coated in a crunchy breadcrumb exterior and drenched in a spicy Nashville hot sauce, these mozzarella sticks are sure to add some heat to your snack game!
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella sticks – Frozen for easy handling.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – For dredging.
- 2 large eggs – Beaten, for coating.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs work best for crunch.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For extra flavor in the coating.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder – A savory touch to balance the heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds a mild smoky flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – For a touch of extra heat.
- Vegetable oil – For frying.
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hot sauce – Choose your favorite, preferably a tangy, medium heat sauce.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – For richness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – To balance out the heat.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Adds smokiness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper – For that signature Nashville heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For added depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – To season the sauce.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
Take the mozzarella sticks out of the freezer and let them sit for a couple of minutes. This will help prevent them from bursting while frying.
Step 2: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- In the first bowl, add the flour.
- In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In the third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour, dip it in the egg, then coat it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for each stick.
Step 3: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded mozzarella sticks to the hot oil in batches, frying them for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
In a small bowl, combine hot sauce, melted butter, brown sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks in Sauce
Once the mozzarella sticks are fried, drizzle or dip them into the Nashville hot sauce, coating them generously.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve your spicy, crispy mozzarella sticks with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese dressing, and enjoy the heat!
Notes
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes before breading and frying to prevent the cheese from melting out during frying.
- Double coat the mozzarella sticks for an extra crispy crust.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper in both the breading and the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American