Crispy Spicy Nashville Mozzarella Sticks (Print Version)
Golden mozzarella sticks with Nashville-style spicy glaze and crunchy crust deliver gooey, flavorful heat.
# Ingredients:
→ Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
1 lb whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick sticks (3 inches long, ½ inch thick)
02 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
03 -
3 large eggs, whisked
04 -
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 -
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
06 -
1 tsp cayenne pepper
07 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
08 -
½ tsp garlic powder
09 -
½ tsp onion powder
10 -
Salt and pepper to taste
11 -
Avocado oil, for frying
→ Nashville Hot Glaze
12 -
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
13 -
2 tbsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
14 -
2 tbsp brown sugar
15 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
16 -
½ tsp garlic powder
17 -
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
18 -
2-3 tbsp hot sauce
19 -
Salt to taste
# Steps:
01 -
Slice the block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks approximately 3 inches long and ½ inch thick.
02 -
Prepare three bowls: one containing the flour, another with the whisked eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
03 -
Coat each mozzarella stick by first dipping it in the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer. Arrange breaded sticks on a tray.
04 -
Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes to firm them up.
05 -
Heat 2 inches of avocado oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
06 -
In a small saucepan, melt butter and mix in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
07 -
Dip the fried mozzarella sticks into the Nashville hot glaze and serve immediately, optionally with ranch or blue cheese dressing.