Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Introduction

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, crunchy, and cheesy twist on the classic mozzarella stick. These irresistible appetizers are coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and deep-fried to perfection. The real standout is the Nashville hot seasoning, which adds a bold, fiery kick that makes these mozzarella sticks an unforgettable treat.

I first made these when I wanted to add a little extra heat to a classic snack, and they quickly became a favorite. The combination of the gooey cheese and the spicy coating is truly addictive, and the crunch on the outside makes each bite even more satisfying. What’s great about these sticks is how easy they are to customize—if you like more heat, just add a bit more of the Nashville seasoning, or serve them with a cooling dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese to balance out the spice.

Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a spicy snack, or simply want to elevate your appetizer game, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are sure to be a crowd favorite!

Perfect for:

• Game day snacks
• Party appetizers
• Spicy food lovers
• Casual gatherings
• Indulgent treats

Why You’ll Love This Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Here’s why Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks will become your new favorite snack:

• Cheesy and Gooey: The mozzarella cheese melts perfectly inside the crispy coating, delivering a cheesy, gooey bite every time.
• Bold and Spicy: The Nashville hot seasoning gives these mozzarella sticks an irresistible heat that’s balanced with a touch of sweetness and smokiness.
• Crispy Coating: The breadcrumb crust provides a satisfying crunch, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these mozzarella sticks are quick to prepare and even quicker to devour.
• Perfect for Dipping: Serve these sticks with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, for extra flavor.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes (frying)
• Servings: 12 mozzarella sticks
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks:

• 12 mozzarella sticks (part-skim or full-fat)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Ingredient Highlights

• Mozzarella Sticks: The key to this dish is the mozzarella sticks, which are the perfect cheese to complement the spicy Nashville seasoning.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the mozzarella sticks an extra-crunchy coating that holds up well during frying.
• Nashville Hot Sauce: The Nashville hot sauce adds the signature heat and smoky flavor that makes this dish stand out.
• Buttermilk: The buttermilk helps to tenderize the coating and enhances the flavor of the breadcrumbs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks:

Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks:

1. Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: Place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for at least 30 minutes to an hour. Freezing helps the cheese stay intact during frying.
2. Set Up Your Dipping Stations: In one shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. In a second shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Take a frozen mozzarella stick and dip it first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s well-coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, then into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere the breadcrumbs to the cheese. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella sticks.
4. Freeze Again: After coating the sticks, return them to the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This second freezing helps the coating stay crispy when fried.

Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce:

5. Make the Hot Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Whisk until well combined. Set aside.

Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:

6. Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it browns in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
7. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the hot oil at a time, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the sticks from the oil and drain on paper towels.
8. Coat with Hot Sauce: While the mozzarella sticks are still hot, drizzle the Nashville hot sauce generously over the top or dip each stick into the sauce to coat it evenly.

How to Serve Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are perfect for serving on various occasions:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these mozzarella sticks as a spicy appetizer at your next gathering or dinner party.
• With Dipping Sauces: Pair these sticks with cool, creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing for extra flavor.
• For Game Day: These mozzarella sticks are the perfect spicy snack to enjoy during the big game.
• With a Cold Drink: Serve with a cold beer, lemonade, or soda for the ultimate snack experience.

Additional Tips for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Here are some tips to ensure your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are perfect every time:

• Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks Well: Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying ensures the cheese won’t melt out while frying, keeping them intact.
• Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create a crispier and crunchier exterior, making the sticks more satisfying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches so that they cook evenly and maintain a crispy texture.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the Nashville hot sauce.
• Serve Immediately: These mozzarella sticks are best served hot and crispy, right after frying and coating with the hot sauce.

Recipe Variations for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Here are 10 variations you can try for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks:

• Buffalo Hot Mozzarella Sticks: Substitute the Nashville hot sauce with buffalo wing sauce for a tangy alternative.
• Cheddar Mozzarella Sticks: Use a combination of cheddar cheese and mozzarella for a cheesy twist.
• Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks: Wrap the mozzarella sticks in bacon before frying for a smoky, savory addition.
• Spicy Ranch Mozzarella Sticks: Use a spicy ranch dressing to dip the sticks in instead of the Nashville hot sauce.
• Zesty Lime Mozzarella Sticks: Add lime zest to the panko breadcrumbs for a citrusy kick.
• Parmesan-Crusted Mozzarella Sticks: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor.
• Vegetarian Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: Use dairy-free mozzarella for a vegetarian or vegan version.
• Nashville Hot Chicken Mozzarella Sticks: Add fried chicken pieces to the cheese sticks for a heartier snack.
• Jalapeño Mozzarella Sticks: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the coating mixture for an added burst of heat.
• Sweet and Spicy Mozzarella Sticks: Mix honey or maple syrup into the Nashville hot sauce for a sweet-and-spicy variation.

Freezing and Storage for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

• Freezing: You can freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying. Lay the coated sticks on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them for a few hours, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness.

Special Equipment for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks easier:

• Deep Fryer or Frying Pan: A deep fryer or large frying pan helps to ensure the mozzarella sticks cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Thermometer: A cooking thermometer ensures that the oil reaches the perfect temperature for frying.
• Shallow Dishes: Use shallow dishes to coat the mozzarella sticks easily in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
• Paper Towels: Use paper towels to drain excess oil after frying.
• Tongs: Tongs are helpful for carefully handling the mozzarella sticks when frying.
• Baking Sheet – For freezing the sticks before frying them.
• Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet for easy removal of mozzarella sticks.
• Mixing Bowls – For preparing breading and sauce mixtures.
• Whisk – For mixing eggs and any wet ingredients.
• Slotted Spoon – To remove the mozzarella sticks from the hot oil.
• Meat Thermometer – To ensure the frying oil is at the perfect temperature (around 350°F).

Frequently Asked Questions for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

1. Can I bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?
   Yes, you can bake the mozzarella sticks at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy, but frying yields a crispier result.
2. Can I use regular mozzarella cheese?
   Yes, you can use regular mozzarella cheese if you prefer, but string cheese is the easiest option for this recipe.
3. Can I adjust the spiciness?
   Yes, you can adjust the level of heat in the Nashville hot sauce by reducing or increasing the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking.
4. Can I make these in advance?
   It’s best to freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying and then cook them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

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Conclusion

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks bring bold heat, crispy coating, and gooey cheese together in one deliciously spicy appetizer. With the perfect balance of seasoning and texture, these mozzarella sticks are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or party food, they’ll satisfy your cravings and add a fiery kick to your menu.

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is flavorful, making it perfect for casual get-togethers or big celebrations. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, these mozzarella sticks will spice up your event and leave everyone wanting more.

I’d love to see how your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!