nashville hot mozzarella sticks recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
nashville hot mozzarella sticks recipe
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The Best nashville hot mozzarella sticks recipe

I am so excited to share this Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks recipe with you. This dish is a game-changer for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or just a quick weeknight dinner.

The combination of crispy outside and gooey inside, paired with the spicy kick of Nashville hot chicken seasoning, is a match made in heaven. My kids love helping me make these sticks, and they’re always asking for more.

I’ve even caught my husband sneaking into the kitchen to grab an extra one (or three) when I’m not looking! But what really sets this recipe apart is the technique involved in making the perfect mozzarella stick.

It’s all about getting the right balance of crunch and creaminess, and I’m happy to share my secrets with you. So grab some mozzarella cheese, some flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, and let’s get started on this delicious journey!

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

4.5 from 1434 votes

Crispy, golden mozzarella sticks coated in a spicy, buttery Nashville hot sauce. These are baked until perfectly melted inside with a fiery, crunchy exterior.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time32 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks

12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Nashville Hot Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
2Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes until they are firm and solid.
3Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls.
4In the first bowl, add the flour.
5In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
6In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
7Working with one frozen mozzarella stick at a time, coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
8Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
9Finally, roll it in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
10Place the breaded sticks on the wire rack and freeze for another 20 minutes to set the coating.
11Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F.
12Bake the frozen mozzarella sticks for 8 to 10 minutes, until the breading is golden brown and the cheese is just starting to melt.
13Do not overbake or the cheese may leak out.
14While the sticks bake, make the Nashville hot sauce.
15In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
16Whisk in the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
17Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is fragrant, then remove from heat.
18As soon as the mozzarella sticks come out of the oven, brush or drizzle the hot sauce evenly over each stick.
19Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.

🔧Equipment

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
3 shallow bowls
Small saucepan
Whisk
Wire rack

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 110mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 32g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper to 3 tablespoons. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the cayenne to 1 tablespoon. The sticks must be frozen before breading and again before baking to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.

Watch Video Of How Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Works

These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering or just a quick weeknight dinner.

They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

You can store any leftover sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months – just reheat in the oven or microwave when needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

1. What is Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning?

Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning is a blend of spices that originated in Nashville, Tennessee. It typically includes ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. You can find it at most grocery stores or online.

2. Can I use regular mozzarella cheese instead of string cheese?

While you can use regular mozzarella cheese, string cheese is preferred because it melts better and has a more even texture. If you don’t have string cheese on hand, you can also try using shredded mozzarella or sliced mozzarella.

3. How do I keep the mozzarella sticks from getting too greasy?

To prevent your mozzarella sticks from getting too greasy, make sure to coat them evenly with the flour mixture before dredging them in the eggs and then breadcrumbs. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying – cook in batches if necessary.

4. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying them! Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
(Note: Baked sticks will be slightly different in texture but still delicious.)

5. What kind of oil should I use for frying?

For frying these mozzarella sticks, use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point like peanut oil or avocado oil.

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