Description
These Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks combine gooey, melted mozzarella with a bold, fiery Nashville-style hot sauce glaze. Double coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection, then dipped in a spicy, buttery cayenne glaze, these snacks are perfect for game day or any craving for spicy comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mozzarella Sticks
- 1 lb block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado oil for frying (about 2 inches deep)
For the Nashville Hot Glaze
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp hot sauce
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Slice the Mozzarella: Cut the 1 lb block of whole milk mozzarella into thick rectangular sticks approximately 3 inches long and ½ inch thick for the perfect fryable size.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Set up three bowls: one with 1 cup all-purpose flour, one with 3 whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Coat each mozzarella stick first in flour, then in the whisked eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, dip again in egg and breadcrumb mixture for a double coating. Arrange the breaded sticks on a tray.
- Freeze the Coated Sticks: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to firm them up and prevent melting too quickly during frying.
- Fry the Sticks: Heat avocado oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C), ensuring about 2 inches of oil depth. Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on a wire rack to avoid sogginess.
- Prepare the Nashville Hot Glaze: In a saucepan, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp cayenne pepper, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp chili powder (if using), 2-3 tbsp hot sauce, and salt to taste. Whisk continuously until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
- Coat the Fried Mozzarella Sticks: Immediately dip the hot, fried mozzarella sticks into the spicy Nashville hot glaze to coat thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the Nashville hot mozzarella sticks hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Use whole milk mozzarella for optimal melting and flavor.
- Freezing the breaded sticks before frying prevents cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- Double coating provides extra crunch and helps the coating stay on during frying.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance for the glaze and breadcrumb mixture.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for perfect frying.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Can be paired with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Keywords: Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, spicy fried cheese sticks, crispy mozzarella snacks, Nashville hot chicken inspired recipe, fried mozzarella, spicy appetizer