Description
Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a fiery twist on the classic appetizer. With a crunchy double-breaded coating, gooey mozzarella inside, and a bold Nashville-inspired hot glaze, these cheesy bites are perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime you crave indulgent comfort food with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
1 lb block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, whisked
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Avocado oil, for frying
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
2–3 tbsp hot sauce
Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Slice mozzarella into sticks about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crunch.
- Place breaded sticks on a tray and freeze for 15–20 minutes.
- Heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F. Fry sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Drain on a wire rack.
- For glaze: melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, hot sauce, and salt until smooth.
- Brush or toss fried mozzarella sticks with glaze before serving.
Notes
- Freezing is essential to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- String cheese can be used as a shortcut instead of slicing mozzarella.
- Reduce cayenne and omit chili powder for a milder version.
- Drain fried sticks on a rack, not paper towels, for maximum crispiness.
- The glaze can be made ahead and reheated when needed.
- Prep Time: 20 mins (plus 20 mins freezing)
- Cook Time: 10–12 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
