Description
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are what happens when comfort food gets a spicy makeover – gooey cheese meets fiery Nashville heat for an appetizer that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (450g) mozzarella cheese block, cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 3 cups (360g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/2 cup (120ml) hot frying oil
- 3 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp dark brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella into 1/2-inch thick, 3-inch long sticks and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Prepare three breading stations: seasoned flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and panko mixed with spices in the third.
- Dredge each cheese stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, then repeat the egg and breadcrumb layers for a double coating.
- Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- In a bowl, combine cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for the Nashville hot mixture.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry frozen sticks in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove 1/2 cup of hot frying oil and mix with the spice mixture.
- Brush or drizzle the hot spice mixture over freshly fried mozzarella sticks.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.