Crispy Spicy Nashville Sticks (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
1 lb block whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick sticks
02 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
03 -
3 large eggs, whisked
04 -
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 -
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
06 -
1 tsp cayenne pepper
07 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
08 -
½ tsp garlic powder
09 -
½ tsp onion powder
10 -
Salt to taste
11 -
Pepper to taste
12 -
Avocado oil for frying
→ Nashville Hot Glaze
13 -
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
14 -
2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
15 -
2 tbsp brown sugar
16 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
17 -
½ tsp garlic powder
18 -
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
19 -
2-3 tbsp hot sauce
20 -
Salt to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Slice the mozzarella block into thick, rectangular sticks about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick.
02 -
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
03 -
Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating and place the sticks on a tray.
04 -
Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes to ensure the coating stays intact during frying.
05 -
Heat 2 inches of avocado oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or fryer to 375°F. Fry the sticks for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Place them on a wire rack to drain.
06 -
In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
07 -
Dip the fried mozzarella sticks into the hot glaze until coated. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
# Notes:
01 -
Freezing after breading ensures the coating stays intact and the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly while frying.
02 -
Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs creates an extra crispy crust.
03 -
Using fresh mozzarella blocks provides the perfect shape and creamy texture for uniform sticks.
04 -
Adjust the amount of cayenne and hot sauce in the glaze to control spiciness.
05 -
These are best enjoyed immediately so the cheese remains gooey and the coating stays crunchy.