Description
A bold twist on a classic appetizer! These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are ultra crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and coated in a fiery, buttery hot spice blend inspired by Nashville hot chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Pickles and ranch dressing, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour until solid.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour (mixed with garlic powder and paprika), beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs (mixed with salt).
- Dip each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness.
- Place coated sticks on a tray and freeze again for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and chili powder to make the Nashville hot coating.
- Toss or brush the fried mozzarella sticks with the spicy butter mixture while hot.
- Serve immediately with pickles and ranch dressing if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne level depending on your spice preference.
- Freezing twice is key to prevent cheese from oozing out during frying.
- Try using panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Nashville hot, mozzarella sticks, spicy appetizer, fried cheese, hot snacks