Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
1 lb block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick sticks
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
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
# Instructions:
01 -
Slice 1 lb block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks about 7.5 cm long and 1.25 cm thick.
02 -
Prepare 3 separate bowls: first with flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with a mixture of panko and plain breadcrumbs combined with cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
03 -
Dredge each mozzarella stick first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, dip again in egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating. Place breaded sticks on a tray.
04 -
Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes to firm up the cheese before frying.
05 -
Heat 5 cm of avocado oil to 190°C (375°F). Carefully fry mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on a wire rack.
06 -
In a saucepan, melt butter. Add cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until completely smooth and combined.
07 -
Dip each fried mozzarella stick into the hot glaze, coating thoroughly. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
# Notes:
01 -
Freezing the breaded sticks before frying is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
02 -
For a less spicy version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in both the breading and glaze.