Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy twist on a classic appetizer. With a crunchy, seasoned coating and gooey melted cheese inside, they make a perfect snack or party treat. A drizzle of hot sauce adds an extra kick that’s sure to please heat lovers.

Ingredients

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• Hot sauce (to drizzle on top)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the mozzarella into thick sticks, about 1 inch wide.
2. Step 2: Prepare three shallow bowls: one with the seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with the Nashville hot chicken seasoning.
3. Step 3: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the seasoned panko mixture.
4. Step 4: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes to help set the crust.
5. Step 5: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, cooking each side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Step 6: Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Drizzle hot sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, double-dip the sticks by repeating the egg and panko steps before freezing.
• Adjust the amount of Nashville hot seasoning to control the level of spiciness.
• Try serving with ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool the heat.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for less water release during frying and better crispiness.

Storage

Store any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes until crisp and heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the sticks at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid cheese melting out.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying?

Freezing the coated sticks before frying helps the breading set and the cheese stay contained. Also, keep oil temperature consistent at 350°F (175°C) to cook quickly without melting too much cheese inside.

Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 103 reviews

Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy twist on the classic fried cheese snack, featuring fresh mozzarella coated in seasoned flour, eggs, and panko mixed with Nashville hot chicken seasoning, then deep-fried until golden and crispy. Perfect as a bold appetizer with a drizzle of hot sauce and optional fresh parsley garnish.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese

Coating

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning (adjust to taste)

Frying & Garnish

• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• Hot sauce (to drizzle on top)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cut the cheese: Cut the fresh mozzarella into thick sticks approximately 1 inch wide, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
2. Prepare coating stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour seasoned as desired, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed thoroughly with Nashville hot chicken seasoning.
3. Coat the sticks: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the seasoned flour to cover evenly, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat completely in the spiced panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Freeze before frying: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. This step helps prevent cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
5. Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there is enough oil to fully submerge the sticks for frying.
6. Fry the mozzarella sticks: Fry the sticks in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot to maintain oil temperature.
7. Drain excess oil: Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil.
8. Serve: Drizzle the crispy mozzarella sticks with hot sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and melty on the inside.

Notes

• Freezing the coated sticks before frying is essential to prevent cheese from leaking out during the cooking process.
• Adjust the amount of Nashville hot chicken seasoning according to your spice preference for a milder or hotter flavor.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly crispy results.
• Serve with extra hot sauce or your favorite dipping sauce as desired.

Keywords: Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, spicy fried cheese, appetizer, crispy mozzarella, southern style snack