Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Cut the cheese: Cut the fresh mozzarella into thick sticks approximately 1 inch wide, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil.
- 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
