Description
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive. With a perfectly breaded exterior and gooey melted mozzarella inside, these sticks are tossed in a fiery Nashville hot sauce made from butter, cayenne pepper, and spices. Ideal as a flavorful appetizer or snack, they combine classic comfort with a bold spicy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Sticks
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Nashville Hot Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp pickle juice (optional for tang)
Instructions
- Freeze the Cheese: Freeze mozzarella sticks for 30–60 minutes until firm to prevent melting during frying.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with Italian-style breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Bread the Cheese: Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in the egg and milk mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
- Double Dip: For extra crunchiness, dip the sticks again in the egg mixture and then breadcrumbs.
- Freeze Again: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks back in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to help them firm up for frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the sticks in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain: Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Nashville Hot Sauce: In a bowl, combine melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and optional pickle juice, mixing well.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: While still hot, brush or gently toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the Nashville hot sauce mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying prevents them from melting too fast.
- Double dipping in egg and breadcrumbs ensures a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Adjust cayenne pepper in the hot sauce to control the spice level.
- Use a deep oil temperature of 350°F to get a crispy exterior without overcooking.
- Optional pickle juice adds a tangy kick to the hot sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
