Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella (Printable View)
Golden mozzarella with spicy hot glaze delivers bold flavor and extra crunch in every bite.
# Ingredient List:
→ Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
1 pound whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into thick sticks (approximately 3 inches long, 1/2 inch thick)
02 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
03 -
3 large eggs, whisked
04 -
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 -
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
06 -
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
09 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
11 -
Avocado oil, for frying (enough for 2 inches in pan, about 2-3 cups)
→ Nashville Hot Glaze
12 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
13 -
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, or to taste
14 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar
15 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
17 -
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
18 -
2 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce
19 -
Salt, to taste
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Slice the mozzarella cheese into large, uniform sticks approximately 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
02 -
Arrange three shallow bowls: place flour in the first, whisked eggs in the second, and combine panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
03 -
Dredge each cheese stick in flour, dip into the eggs, and thoroughly coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a second coating on each stick. Place finished sticks on a tray.
04 -
Transfer the breaded mozzarella sticks to the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to firm the coating and prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
05 -
Pour avocado oil into a heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of 2 inches, and heat to 375°F. Fry the sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes or until deeply golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
06 -
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, optional chili powder, hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until the sauce is fully combined and smooth.
07 -
Gently dip or brush fried mozzarella sticks with the warm Nashville hot glaze. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.
# Supplementary Details:
01 -
Ensure cheese sticks are well-frozen before frying to keep cheese from melting out during cooking.