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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

The ultimate fusion of fiery Nashville hot chicken flavor and gooey melted cheese. These crispy, spicy, and satisfying mozzarella sticks are the perfect party appetizer or game day snack, easily customizable to your heat level.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Mozzarella and Dredge
  • 12 mozzarella cheese sticks low-moisture, frozen
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder seasoning for flour
  • 1 tsp paprika seasoning for flour
  • 0.5 tsp salt seasoning for flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp milk or water optional for egg wash
  • 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat level
Hot Oil Glaze
  • 2 tbsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat level
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey optional for sweet balance
  • 0.5 cup hot frying oil use from fryer just before glaze application
Garnish and Dipping Sauce
  • ranch or aioli dipping sauce
  • fresh chives finely chopped

Equipment

  • Dredging bowls
  • Frying thermometer
  • Wire rack
  • Frying pan or deep fryer

Method
 

  1. Freeze pre-made mozzarella cheese sticks for at least 2 hours, or until solid.
  2. Set up a breading station with three separate bowls. Bowl 1: mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Bowl 2: whisk eggs and milk. Bowl 3: mix Panko breadcrumbs and cayenne.
  3. Take a frozen mozzarella stick and dredge in flour, then egg wash, then Panko, then BACK into egg wash, and finally Panko for a thorough double coat. Repeat for all sticks.
  4. Heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pan or preheat a deep fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
  5. Fry breaded mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  6. While frying the final batch, prepare the hot oil glaze by combining cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar (if using) in a heatproof bowl. Carefully whisk in 1/2 cup of the hot frying oil until smooth.
  7. Gently brush or toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the hot oil glaze, ensuring even coating.
  8. Transfer the glazed sticks to a platter, garnish immediately with chopped chives, and serve hot with white dipping sauce.

Notes

Low-moisture mozzarella is essential. Do not use high-moisture mozzarella, as it will leak easily during frying.