Get ready to turn up the heat with these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! If you love the crispy, cheesy goodness of traditional mozzarella sticks but want to add a fiery twist, then these are a must-try. These mozzarella sticks are coated in a spicy, flavorful Nashville hot seasoning that will kick your taste buds into high gear, giving you all the heat, crunch, and gooey cheese you crave. Paired with a cool dipping sauce, they’re the perfect combination of heat and indulgence. Trust me, you’re going to love these!
Why You’ll Love Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Here’s why these spicy mozzarella sticks are about to become your new favorite snack:
Bold Flavor
Nashville hot chicken is known for its bold, spicy flavors, and we’ve brought that heat to the classic mozzarella stick. If you’re someone who loves a little spice, these are your new go-to!
Crispy and Gooey
The outside is perfectly crispy, and the inside is filled with warm, melty mozzarella cheese. It’s the ultimate contrast of textures that you’ll be craving over and over again.
Easy to Make
No need to be intimidated by this fiery snack—it’s easy to make with just a few steps and simple ingredients. You don’t have to be a pro in the kitchen to pull off this winning recipe!
Perfect for Sharing
Whether you’re watching the game, having a movie night, or hosting a party, these mozzarella sticks will definitely be the star of the show. Serve them up, and everyone will be reaching for more!
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Mozzarella cheese sticks: The classic choice for this recipe, these cheese sticks are the perfect shape and texture for frying.
- All-purpose flour: For the first layer of coating.
- Eggs: These help bind the flour and breadcrumbs to the cheese sticks.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are perfect for getting that extra-crunchy coating.
- Cornstarch: Helps give the coating an extra crisp and keeps it from getting soggy when fried.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning the coating.
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- Cayenne pepper: The star of the Nashville hot sauce—bring on the heat!
- Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor to the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic powder: For a savory, aromatic base.
- Onion powder: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Chili powder: For some extra warmth and flavor.
- Hot sauce: Gives an additional kick to the sauce.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the mozzarella sticks.
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing: To cool things down and balance out the heat.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
Start by placing your mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures that the cheese stays intact and doesn’t melt too quickly when fried.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
In a shallow bowl, add all-purpose flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk together eggs. In a third shallow bowl, add panko breadcrumbs. Mix the cornstarch with the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
Take the cold mozzarella sticks and dip them first into the flour, coating evenly. Then dip into the egg wash, and finally, roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella sticks.
4. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pot.
5. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
While the mozzarella sticks are frying, prepare the Nashville hot sauce. In a small bowl, combine cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and a little hot sauce. Stir in vegetable oil to create a smooth, spicy sauce.
6. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks with the Hot Sauce
Once the mozzarella sticks are done frying, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Immediately drizzle the Nashville hot sauce over the sticks, making sure they’re generously coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks hot with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy the spicy, gooey goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
Calories per serving: ~400
Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 32g - Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 5g
Protein: 13g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 15%
Iron: 10%
Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5-7 minutes per batch
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
How to Serve Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
With Dipping Sauces
Ranch and blue cheese dressings are the classic dipping options, but you can also try sriracha mayo or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Pair with Crispy Fries
Serve these hot mozzarella sticks alongside a side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate comfort meal.
Add a Side Salad
For a lighter meal, pair your spicy mozzarella sticks with a green salad or a refreshing coleslaw to balance out the heat.
Additional Tips
Can I make these ahead of time?
If you want to prep ahead, bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for up to a day. When you’re ready to fry them, just take them out of the freezer and fry as directed.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can bake these mozzarella sticks in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. The texture won’t be quite as crispy as frying, but they’ll still be delicious!
How do I make the hot sauce less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the Nashville hot sauce mixture.
Can I make these without cornstarch?
Yes, you can skip the cornstarch, but it helps make the coating extra crispy. You can also substitute it with cornmeal for a similar effect.
Can I use a different cheese for these sticks?
While mozzarella is traditional, you can use other types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these without deep-frying?
A1: Yes! You can pan-fry the mozzarella sticks in a small amount of oil or bake them for a slightly healthier option.
Q2: Can I freeze these before frying?
A2: Yes! Bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them for up to a day. Fry them directly from the freezer when ready to eat.
Q3: What’s the best oil to fry these in?
A3: Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying. They all have a high smoking point and will give the best results.
Q4: Can I adjust the heat level of the Nashville hot sauce?
A4: Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a milder version or add more for an even spicier kick.
Q5: Can I use store-bought mozzarella sticks for this recipe?
A5: Yes, you can use pre-made mozzarella sticks if you’re short on time. Just coat them with the Nashville hot sauce after frying.
Q6: What other dipping sauces go well with these mozzarella sticks?
A6: Try serving them with ranch, blue cheese, garlic butter, or creamy avocado dip for variety.
Q7: How do I store leftover mozzarella sticks?
A7: Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Q8: Can I make these with a gluten-free coating?
A8: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch for the coating.
Q9: Can I make the Nashville hot sauce milder?
A9: Yes, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or use a mild hot sauce to adjust the heat level to your liking.
Q10: Can I serve these with a side of vegetables?
A10: Definitely! Serve with carrot sticks, celery, or even cucumber slices to balance out the spicy richness of the mozzarella sticks.
Conclusion
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks bring together the best of both worlds: the cheesy, gooey goodness of mozzarella sticks and the bold, spicy flavors of Nashville hot chicken. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a snack, these mozzarella sticks are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, fire up the fryer, and get ready to enjoy these fiery, flavorful treats!
Print
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
Description
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks bring a spicy, crunchy twist to the classic cheese-filled snack. Coated in a crispy breading and tossed in a fiery Nashville hot sauce, these mozzarella sticks deliver the perfect balance of heat and melty cheese. They’re perfect as an appetizer or a spicy snack for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
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12 mozzarella cheese sticks
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/4 cup hot sauce (preferably Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
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2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred spice level)
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1 tablespoon smoked paprika
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:
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Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 1-2 hours before frying. This helps prevent the cheese from melting out during frying.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
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In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In a separate shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
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In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
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Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer.
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Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
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Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
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Finally, roll the mozzarella stick in the breadcrumbs, pressing slightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. For extra crunch, you can double dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
4. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
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In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
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Carefully add the breaded mozzarella sticks to the hot oil in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce:
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In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until the sauce is well mixed and smooth.
6. Toss the Mozzarella Sticks in the Hot Sauce:
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Once the mozzarella sticks are fried, drizzle or toss them in the Nashville hot sauce until fully coated.
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You can either dip the mozzarella sticks in the sauce or pour the sauce over the top for an extra spicy finish.
7. Serve:
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Serve the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
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Notes
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Adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce depending on how spicy you want your mozzarella sticks to be.
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If you want to make these ahead of time, bread the mozzarella sticks, freeze them, and fry them later.
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You can also bake the mozzarella sticks at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes if you prefer a lighter version, though they won’t be as crispy as when fried.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg