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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a crispy, spicy snack featuring gooey melted mozzarella coated in a double breading and tossed in a fiery Nashville hot butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this appetizer delivers bold smoky heat combined with an ultra-crispy texture perfect for parties, game day, or last-minute cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese and Breading

  • 10 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese or block mozzarella cut into sticks)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Nashville Hot Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of salt

For Frying

  • Oil for frying (neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading Stations: Gather three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and smoked paprika. This ensures an even and crispy coating on each mozzarella stick.
  2. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour, coating it completely. Then submerge it in the eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to form a thick crust. For extra crunch, repeat the flour, egg, and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
  3. Freeze the Sticks: Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cheese from melting too fast during frying and helps maintain their shape and texture.
  4. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the hot sauce, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning and spice to taste, then keep warm.
  5. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
  6. Toss in the Nashville Hot Sauce: Immediately after frying, toss the hot mozzarella sticks gently in the warm Nashville hot butter sauce until fully coated, ensuring every bite is infused with fiery, buttery flavor.

Notes

  • Freeze breaded sticks before frying to prevent cheese from leaking out and to help breading stick better.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Maintain oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) to avoid greasy or undercooked sticks.
  • Toss mozzarella sticks immediately in sauce for best flavor adherence.
  • Double coat the breading for extra crispiness without absorbing more oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, spicy mozzarella sticks, crispy cheese sticks, Nashville hot appetizer, cheesy snack, game day recipes

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/nashville-hot-mozzarella-sticks/