Nashville hot mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks have long held a special place in the hearts of snack enthusiasts and party-goers alike. These crispy, gooey delights are a staple appetizer in bars and restaurants, celebrated for their satisfying crunch and melty cheese center. But what if we took this beloved classic and cranked up the heat? Enter Fiery Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks—a daring twist on the traditional recipe that infuses the unmistakable boldness of Nashville hot flavors with the comforting familiarity of mozzarella sticks.

Experience a flavorful twist on a classic with these Fiery Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! This recipe combines gooey mozzarella and a crunchy coating with the bold, spicy flavors of Nashville hot seasoning. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a spicy kick. Discover tips for creating the ideal coating, frying techniques, and fun dipping sauce ideas to elevate your snack game. Indulge in this delicious fusion of comfort food and Southern flair!

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Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

12 mozzarella sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil works well)

For the Nashville Hot Spice Mix:

2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)

1 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

For the Dipping Sauce:

1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing

1 tsp hot sauce (based on preference)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or a deep fryer, heat about 3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Cheese: Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This helps maintain their shape during frying.

Set Up the Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In the second bowl, whisk the two eggs. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Coat Each Cheese Stick: Remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer. Dip each stick in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then, dip it into the eggs to coat, followed by the breadcrumbs. Make sure each mozzarella stick is fully coated. For an extra crispy texture, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double-layer coating.

Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Carefully place a few coated mozzarella sticks in the hot oil—don't overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Nashville Hot Spice Mix: While the mozzarella sticks are frying, in a small bowl, mix together the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the Fried Mozzarella Sticks: In a large bowl, combine the fried mozzarella sticks with the Nashville hot spice mix. Toss gently to ensure each stick is coated evenly with the spicy goodness.

Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the ranch or blue cheese dressing with hot sauce. Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your heat preference.

Serve: Plate your Nashville hot mozzarella sticks and serve them hot with the dipping sauce on the side. For a garnish, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of extra spices.

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Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6 as an appetizer