Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a fiery twist on the classic snack, combining crispy fried cheese with bold, spicy flavors. Perfect for parties or a flavorful appetizer, these sticks deliver a satisfying crunch and a kick of heat.

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese sticks (12 pieces)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut mozzarella sticks if needed and set aside. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs, panko, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Step 2: Dredge each mozzarella stick first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
3. Step 3: Place the breaded sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour to help them hold their shape during frying.
4. Step 4: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches for about 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Step 5: Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks and drain on paper towels. While still hot, toss or brush the sticks with additional Nashville hot seasoning made from a blend of paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and a touch of oil for that signature spicy glaze.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili powder to the seasoning blend.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for the best texture and less melting during frying.
• Serve with pickles or celery sticks to balance the spiciness.
• Try baking the sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes as a lighter alternative to frying.

Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cheese rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread and freeze the mozzarella sticks ahead of time for up to 1 month. Fry them straight from frozen for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have Nashville hot seasoning?

You can make your own by mixing paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and a little oil. Adjust the spice levels to your preference for a similar fiery flavor.

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 97 reviews

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, golden-fried cheese sticks coated in a spicy, flavorful Nashville hot seasoning. Perfect as a bold appetizer or snack, these mozzarella sticks combine the creamy, gooey cheese inside with a fiery crust seasoned with paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese and Coating

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Spicy Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Frying

• Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola oil), about 4 cups

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Pat the mozzarella sticks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture which helps the coating stick better.
2. Set Up Breading Station: Place the flour in one shallow dish; beat the eggs in a second dish; and combine the seasoned breadcrumbs and panko in a third dish.
3. Bread the Sticks: Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, tapping off excess, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally roll in the breadcrumb mixture ensuring even coverage.
4. Freeze the Breaded Sticks: Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent melting during frying.
5. Prepare the Nashville Hot Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
6. Fry the Cheese Sticks: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Coat with Hot Seasoning: While still hot, brush or toss the fried mozzarella sticks with the prepared Nashville hot seasoning to coat evenly.
8. Serve: Serve immediately for a crispy, spicy snack, optionally with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.

Notes

• Freezing the breaded sticks before frying is essential to keep the cheese from melting out.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or adjust seasoning to taste.
• Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature for even, crispy frying.
• For an extra crispy coating, double dip with egg and breadcrumbs before freezing.
• Leftovers can be reheated in a hot oven to regain crispiness but are best served fresh.

Keywords: Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, spicy cheese sticks, fried mozzarella, appetizer, snack, Nashville hot seasoning