Description
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks take the classic gooey, cheesy appetizer and give it a bold, spicy kick! Coated in crunchy seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, these mozzarella sticks are then brushed with fiery Nashville hot butter sauce for an irresistible heat and crunch combo. Perfect for game nights, parties, or when you’re craving something spicy and cheesy, these mozzarella sticks are a must-try for heat lovers!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Nashville Hot Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Pickles (optional, for a Nashville-style touch)
Instructions
Step 1: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- In a shallow bowl, add flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
- Dip each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then egg mixture, and finally breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat well.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for an extra crispy layer.
- Place breaded sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 3-4 mozzarella sticks at a time, cooking for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce.
Step 6: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
- Brush or drizzle the Nashville hot sauce over the fried mozzarella sticks.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and pickles on the side.
Notes
- Control the spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or hotter.
- Make it ahead: Bread and freeze mozzarella sticks in advance, then fry fresh when ready.
- Baking option: Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air fryer option: Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg