Description

Turn up the heat on your appetizer game with these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! Crispy, gooey, and fiery in all the right ways, these spicy cheese sticks are coated in bold Nashville-inspired seasoning and fried until golden brown. Whether you’re entertaining guests, craving game-day snacks, or just love your food with a kick, these mozzarella sticks will steal the show.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat level)

For the Nashville Hot Coating:

2 tbsp vegetable oil (for basting)
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp brown sugar
¼ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp salt

For Frying:

Vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)

For Dipping (Optional):

Ranch dressing
Blue cheese dip
Honey mustard

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Instructions

Step 1: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
Place unwrapped cheese sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1–2 hours.
This helps prevent the cheese from melting too fast when frying.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
In one bowl: add flour.
In the second bowl: whisk eggs with milk.
In the third bowl: mix seasoned breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
Dip each frozen cheese stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
Place coated sticks on a tray and return to the freezer for another 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Heat the Oil
Fill a pot with at least 2 inches of oil and heat to 350°F (175°C).
Use a thermometer for accuracy if possible.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Make Nashville Hot Coating
In a small bowl, whisk the oil with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, and salt.
Brush this spicy oil mix over the freshly fried mozzarella sticks while they’re still hot.

Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra seasoning on top if desired.

Notes

Freeze Twice – Freezing before and after breading keeps the cheese intact.
Double Dip – Two layers of coating ensure max crunch.
Don’t Overcrowd – Fry in small batches to keep oil temp stable.
Brush, Don’t Soak – The spicy coating should be basted on, not poured.
Serve Hot – They’re best fresh from the fryer when the cheese is perfectly melty.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus freezing time)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American / Southern-Inspired