Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Crispy and spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks offer a fiery twist on a classic appetizer. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, double-fried for extra crunch, and tossed in a bold hot sauce blend, these sticks are perfect for game days, parties, or indulgent snacks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 pieces
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, halved
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Nashville Hot Coating
- ⅓ cup hot sauce
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
Instructions
- Freeze cheese sticks: Place mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm them up for easier coating and frying.
- Prepare coating stations: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with mixed panko and Italian-style breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat mozzarella sticks: Dip each cheese stick first in flour, then in egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.
- Freeze coated sticks: Place the coated sticks back in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to help the coating set and reduce cheese leakage during frying.
- Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Fry mozzarella sticks: Fry the sticks in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare Nashville hot sauce: In a small bowl, mix together hot sauce, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, and melted butter or vegetable oil until combined.
- Coat fried sticks: Toss or brush the fried mozzarella sticks with the prepared Nashville hot sauce to evenly coat them in spicy flavor.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dip for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before and after coating helps prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount in the hot sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Use Italian-style breadcrumbs for extra flavor; plain panko can be substituted if unavailable.
- Double coating the cheese sticks results in a thicker, crispier crust.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the cheese sticks at their crispiest and oozing with melty cheese inside.
- Vegetarian friendly but not vegan due to cheese and egg.
