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Best Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

If you love bold, spicy flavors and crave the perfect crispy cheese snack, these Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a must-try! Inspired by Chili’s famous appetizer, this dish combines crunchy, golden-brown mozzarella sticks with a fiery Nashville hot glaze that brings the heat.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Freezing Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 623 kcal

Equipment

  • Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Deep Fryer

Ingredients
  

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

  • 1 lb block of whole milk mozzarella cheese sliced into thick sticks
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs whisked
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Avocado oil or canola/vegetable oil for frying

For the Nashville Hot Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder optional
  • 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks

  • Cut the 1 lb block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks (approximately 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick).
  • Set up three separate bowls: One with 1 cup of flour. One with 3 whisked eggs. One with a mixture of 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour, then dip into the egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer.
  • Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for 15-20 minutes to help them maintain their shape during frying.

Frying the Mozzarella Sticks:

  • Heat 2 inches of avocado oil in a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.
  • Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • Transfer them to a wire rack to drain excess oil while preparing the glaze.

Making the Nashville Hot Glaze:

  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons cayenne, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional), 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce, and salt.
  • Whisk until fully combined and smooth.

Coating and Serving:

  • Using tongs, dip each fried mozzarella stick into the Nashville hot glaze, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  • Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories: 623kcalCarbohydrates: 36.4gProtein: 21.4gFat: 36.9g
Keyword Chili’s copycat mozzarella sticks, Homemade Nashville hot snack, Hot and crispy cheese appetizer, Nashville hot mozzarella sticks recipe, Spicy fried cheese sticks
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