Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella

Golden mozzarella sticks coated in a double layer of seasoned breadcrumbs soak up a fiery Nashville hot butter glaze for an addictive snack or appetizer. The combination of a crunchy exterior and a gooey, stretchy cheese center makes these sticks an exciting twist on a classic favorite. While quick to prepare, they bring bold flavor and a satisfying kick that pairs perfectly with ranch or blue cheese dips.

The first time I whipped these up during a casual game night, they vanished almost as fast as I fried them. Now they are a musthave at every gettogether I host.

Ingredients

• Whole milk mozzarella: makes the perfect stretchy and creamy center for melting smoothly choose a block for better dipping and slicing
• Allpurpose flour: provides a dry barrier for the egg to stick to unbleached flour offers a purer taste
• Large eggs: bind the breading together and create a nice coating farmfresh eggs usually have a brighter color
• Panko breadcrumbs: combined with plain crumbs create that signature crunchy shell Asian market panko will give even more crispiness
• Cayenne pepper: delivers the iconic Nashville heat fresh spice yields more vibrant flavor
• Smoked paprika: adds a smoky mellow layer and deepens the red color
• Garlic powder and onion powder: bring a subtle but essential savory background pick ones that smell sweet not overpowering
• Salt and black pepper: balance flavors seamlessly
• Avocado oil: is perfect for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral taste grapeseed oil works well as a substitute
• Nashville hot glaze: unsalted butter lets you control salt level brown sugar adds gentle sweetness extra cayenne and smoked paprika deepen heat and color chili powder is optional for smoky character hot sauce with a vinegar note captures the authentic tang of Nashville spice blends

Instructions

Slice and Prep the Cheese:

Cut your mozzarella block into sticks around three inches long and half an inch thick. This size provides enough cheese for a gooey center without melting out during frying.

Set Up Your Breading Station:

Arrange three shallow bowls side by side with allpurpose flour in one whisked eggs in the second and the breadcrumb mixture combined with cayenne smoked paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper in the third. This setup helps you coat evenly and quickly without mess.

Breading the Sticks:

Roll each mozzarella piece first in flour for adhesion then dip in egg followed by thorough coating in breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch dip back into egg and breadcrumbs for a double layer which seals better.

Freeze to Prevent Melting:

Place the breaded sticks on a tray and freeze for 15 to 20 minutes until the coating hardens and the cheese chills. This trick prevents cheese from oozing during frying and maintains crispiness.

Frying to Perfection:

Heat about two inches of avocado oil in a deep pot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry a few sticks at a time for one to two minutes until golden brown and crunchy. Drain on a wire rack to keep crust crisp and avoid sogginess.

Making the Nashville Hot Glaze:

Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Whisk in cayenne brown sugar smoked paprika garlic powder chili powder if using hot sauce and salt until the sauce is smooth velvety and aromatic.

Glazing and Serving:

Quickly dip each fried mozzarella stick into the hot glaze coating every side generously. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately. The spicy heat pairs brilliantly with cool ranch or blue cheese dressing.

I never get tired of watching the spicy red glaze cling to each crunchy stick. The blend of buttery heat and tangy cayenne has become something my brother always requests on game day when we watch football together.

Storage Tips

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a hot oven for five to eight minutes to regain their crispy crust. If you plan to prep ahead freeze the breaded sticks on a tray and then transfer to bags. Fry them directly from frozen for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

Monterey jack or provolone cheeses work great for variations in flavor and melt texture. If you do not have panko increase plain breadcrumbs by a quarter cup and add a pinch of cornstarch for added crispness. To lighten the glaze replace some butter with olive oil but keep the butter for authentic taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve a generous stack on a platter with crunchy carrot and celery sticks alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool the palate. A cold beer is a classic pairing but sparkling lemonade or iced tea also match perfectly with the spicy richness.

These Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are best served hot and fresh for maximum gooey pull and crispy contrast. Adjust the glaze heat to suit your guests for a crowd pleasing appetizer.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I get the mozzarella sticks extra crispy?

Double-coating the sticks with seasoned breadcrumbs and freezing them briefly before frying helps create an extra crispy exterior while preventing the cheese from melting out.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can vary the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the glaze to match your preferred heat intensity.

→ What oil is recommended for frying?

Avocado oil is ideal due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, which ensures evenly cooked, crisp mozzarella sticks.

→ Can these be prepared ahead of time?

You can bread and freeze the mozzarella sticks in advance, then fry and glaze them just before serving for best results.

→ What dipping sauces pair best with these sticks?

Cool and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressings complement the spicy glaze by offering a refreshing contrast.