Add Some Spice to Your Life: Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Ready to set your taste buds on fire in the most delightful way? Introducing Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: the love child of your favorite spicy chicken and gooey cheese sticks. Imagine the perfect crunch of fried mozzarella, smothered in a sweet and spicy glaze that’ll make you rethink your snack game. Warning: these sticks are so addictive, you might just start a new food obsession!
These copycat mozzarella sticks are the perfect snack or appetizer for:
- Game Day Parties/Football Sunday
- Super Bowl Parties
- Barbeques
- Casual Get Togethers & Potlucks
- Appetizer Parties
- Anytime you need a delicious finger food appetizer!
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes / Freeze Time: 20 minutes / Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 1 lb block mozzarella cheese, sliced into sticks
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Hot Glaze
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or 1/4 cup honey)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
Directions
Slice the mozzarella block into sticks, about 3-4 inches long and ½ inch thick.
Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with panko breadcrumbs, one with beaten eggs, and one with flour mixed with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Dip each mozzarella stick into the seasoned flour, coating it fully.
Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.
Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer.
Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
While the sticks are freezing, prepare the hot glaze by whisking melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and hot sauce in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Dip each mozzarella stick into the hot glaze while still warm. Let the excess drip off placing on a rack after dipping.
Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy!
FAQ
Can I make these mozzarella sticks in an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, arrange the mozzarella sticks in a single layer, and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still be crispy and delicious with less oil.
How spicy is the sweet and spicy glaze?
The glaze has a balanced kick that’s more of a tingle than a burn. However, you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your taste.
Can I prepare the mozzarella sticks in advance?
Yes, you can bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them on a baking sheet before frying. When ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer for an extra minute or two.
What dipping sauces pair well with these mozzarella sticks?
Ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, and even a cool cucumber yogurt dip are great options to complement the spicy glaze.
Are there any gluten-free options for this recipe?
Certainly! Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that all other ingredients, like the flour and hot sauce, are gluten-free.
