Spicy Crispy Nashville Mozzarella Sticks

Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with a fiery twist on a classic favorite – Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks. These golden, crunchy sticks of gooey cheese are not your ordinary snack; they bring the heat and flavor of Nashville hot chicken straight to your kitchen. Picture the perfect blend of crispy coating, melty cheese, and a spicy glaze that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

The secret to these irresistible mozzarella sticks lies in the bold combination of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a touch of hot sauce that sets them apart from the rest. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or simply craving a snack that packs a punch, these Nashville-inspired treats are sure to steal the show. Once you serve these up, they’ll become a must-have at all your gatherings, guaranteed to disappear in a flash.

So, gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to indulge in a cheesy, spicy, and utterly delicious experience. Whether you’re a fan of traditional mozzarella sticks or a spice lover looking for a new twist, these Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are here to satisfy your cravings and add a touch of excitement to any occasion. Get ready to experience the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and gooey cheese in every irresistible bite.

Quick Benefits

• Adds a fiery twist to a classic appetizer, perfect for parties and gatherings
• Provides a gooey, cheesy center wrapped in a crispy, golden crust for a satisfying bite
• Offers versatile options for ingredient substitutions to accommodate dietary preferences
• Freezing breaded mozzarella sticks before frying helps maintain cheese integrity and results in a crispier texture

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Crispy Nashville Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks offer a perfect balance of crunch, gooey cheese, and fiery spicy glaze that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, watching a game, or just having a snack night, these sticks are guaranteed to steal the show and elevate any gathering.
• Crowd Pleaser: Your guests will be coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe. These sticks are a hit at family celebrations and get-togethers.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can tailor the recipe to your preferences by adjusting the level of spiciness, experimenting with different cheeses, or adding extra glaze for more flavor.
• Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: The sticks can be prepared in advance, frozen, and fried straight from the freezer for a convenient and delicious treat anytime.
• Playful Fusion: Combining the beloved appetizer of mozzarella sticks with the iconic Nashville hot chicken flavors creates a unique and innovative dish that will impress your friends and family.
• Easy Reheating: Instructions for reheating in the oven or air fryer ensure that your mozzarella sticks remain crispy and delicious even when enjoying leftovers.
• Homemade Goodness: While store-bought cheese sticks can be used, slicing from a block of mozzarella ensures a superior texture and allows for thicker pieces that offer a satisfying bite.

Ingredients for Spicy Crispy Nashville Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella Sticks

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 large eggs, whisked
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick sticks (approximately 3 inches by 1/2 inch)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Avocado oil, for deep frying
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Nashville Hot Glaze

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

Pro Tips for Spicy Crispy Nashville Mozzarella Sticks

To achieve the perfect stretch and gooey center, freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying. This tip helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and breaking apart in the hot oil, resulting in a crispy exterior and a luscious interior.

When making the hot glaze, be generous with the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and hot sauce to capture the signature Nashville-inspired heat. Adjust the spice levels to your preference but remember that the fiery kick is what sets these mozzarella sticks apart.

For optimal texture and flavor, slice the mozzarella from a block rather than using store-bought cheese sticks. Thicker pieces of cheese hold their shape better during frying, ensuring a satisfying bite every time. Pair these crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks with classic ranch or blue cheese dressings for a cool and creamy contrast to the bold and spicy flavors.

How to Make Spicy Crispy Nashville Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Slice mozzarella

Slice mozzarella cheese into sticks that are about 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.

Step 2: Prepare breading station

Prepare three shallow bowls: one containing all-purpose flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko, plain breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Bread the cheese sticks

Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, and breadcrumb mixture. Double coat by repeating egg and breadcrumb dipping. Place on a baking tray.

Step 4: Freeze for firmness

Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for 15-20 minutes to allow the coating to set.

Step 5: Fry mozzarella sticks

In a deep pot, heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry cheese sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare Nashville hot glaze

Combine melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, optional chili powder, hot sauce, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until smooth.

Step 7: Coat and serve

Coat the hot, fried mozzarella sticks in Nashville hot glaze. Serve promptly with ranch or blue cheese dressing, if preferred.

Storage Tips

Once you have made a batch of crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To enjoy them again, reheat the sticks in an oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until they are hot and crispy. Avoid using the microwave for reheating to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

For longer storage or meal prep, you can freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying. Place them on a tray after breading, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, fry the sticks directly from frozen, adding about thirty extra seconds to the cooking time for a crispy result. Freezing before frying helps maintain the cheese’s integrity during cooking.

Enhance the experience of these fiery and cheesy sticks by serving them with classic ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cooling dip. Consider adding a side of crisp celery sticks or pairing them with coleslaw for a complete meal. Experiment with different cheeses, glazes, and dipping sauces to customize this dish to your taste preferences and seasonal inspirations.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have whole milk mozzarella, you can use low moisture part-skim mozzarella for a similar result. Ensure to cut the part-skim mozzarella a bit thicker to achieve that satisfying cheese pull. For a gluten-free option, substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Canola or sunflower oil can be used instead of avocado oil for deep frying due to their high smoke points.

Feel free to customize the glaze based on your preferences. Add a touch of honey for extra sweetness in the fall or experiment with different cheeses like smoked cheddar or pepper jack during winter for added depth of flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can offer a light, springtime twist to the dish. Additionally, store-bought cheese sticks can be used for convenience, but slicing from a block allows for thicker pieces and a better texture.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist, serve these Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks on a bed of zesty jalapeño slaw for a refreshing crunch that balances the heat. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy glaze, and tangy slaw creates a flavor explosion that will have your guests coming back for more.

To elevate your appetizer game, try skewering these hot mozzarella sticks on mini wooden sticks with a drizzle of hot glaze for a trendy and portable party snack. These bite-sized treats are perfect for mingling and dipping into a side of cool ranch dressing or tangy blue cheese sauce for a delicious contrast of flavors and temperatures.

FAQs for Spicy Crispy Nashville Mozzarella Sticks

Can I use store-bought cheese sticks instead of slicing whole milk mozzarella for this recipe?

Yes, for convenience, you can use store-bought cheese sticks. However, slicing whole milk mozzarella from a block allows for thicker pieces and better texture in the finished dish.

What are some alternatives to avocado oil for deep frying these mozzarella sticks?

If you don’t have avocado oil, you can substitute it with oils like canola or sunflower oil, which also have a high smoke point suitable for deep frying.

How can I make these mozzarella sticks more kid-friendly if I want to reduce the spiciness?

To make these mozzarella sticks less spicy for kids or those who prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in both the coating and the glaze.

Why is it recommended to freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying?

Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly and breaking apart in the oil, resulting in a better texture and presentation when cooked.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are sure to be a hit at any gathering, bringing a touch of fiery spice and gooey cheese goodness to your appetizer spread. The bold flavors and crunchy texture make them a crowd favorite, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a delicious homemade treat.

Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a game day snack, or simply looking to spice up your usual appetizer rotation, these Nashville-inspired mozzarella sticks are a must-try. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can recreate this crave-worthy dish in your own kitchen and watch as it disappears within minutes.

So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks and get ready for the compliments to roll in. From the first bite to the last stretch of cheese, these addictive treats are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the heat, the crunch, and the cheesy goodness – it’s time to elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible homemade delights!