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OVERHEAD VIEW OF Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Olga

Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

5 from 1 vote
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are my copycat version of the Chili’s classic. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and coated in a spicy Nashville hot butter sauce.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Freeze 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 623
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

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 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Avocado oil for frying
Nashville Hot Glaze:
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder optional
  • 2-3 tbsp hot sauce
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Cutting Board and Knife
  • 1 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Shallow Bowls
  • 1 Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Deep Fryer
  • 1 Wire Rack
  • 1 Small Saucepan
  • 1 Tongs

Method
 

  1. Slice 1 lb block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick).
  2. Prepare 3 bowls: one with 1 cup flour, one with 3 whisked eggs, and one with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, and then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating. Place breaded sticks on a tray.
  4. Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes.
  5. Heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F. Fry mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack.
  6. In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter. Add 2 tbsp cayenne, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp chili powder (optional), 2-3 tbsp hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
  7. Dip fried mozzarella sticks into the hot glaze. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Nutrition

Calories: 623kcalCarbohydrates: 36.4gProtein: 21.4gFat: 36.9g

Notes

Top Tips for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

  1. Freeze After Breading: Freezing after breading ensures the coating stays intact and the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly while frying.
  2. Double Coat for Crunch: A second coating of egg and breadcrumbs creates an extra crispy crust.
  3. Use Fresh Mozzarella Blocks: Block mozzarella provides the creamy texture and shape needed for uniform sticks.
  4. Control the Spice: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce in the glaze for your desired heat level.
  5. Serve Fresh: These sticks are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is gooey and the crust is crunchy.

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