Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Snack

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your snacking game. Originating from the vibrant culinary scene of Nashville, Tennessee, this dish combines the gooey, melty goodness of mozzarella with a fiery, spicy kick that pays homage to the city’s famous hot chicken. As someone who has always been captivated by the bold flavors of Southern cuisine, I can assure you that these mozzarella sticks are not just a snack; they are an experience.

People love Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks for their perfect balance of crispy exterior and stretchy, cheesy interior, making each bite a satisfying adventure. The convenience of preparing these sticks at home means you can enjoy this indulgent treat anytime, whether for a game day gathering or a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, you’ll find yourself craving their spicy allure again and again!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks

First things first, let’s get our mozzarella sticks ready. I like to use the string cheese variety because they hold their shape well and melt beautifully. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Take the mozzarella cheese sticks out of the packaging and cut them in half. This will give you bite-sized pieces that are perfect for snacking.
2. Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the cheese maintain its shape while frying.

Preparing the Breading Station

While the cheese sticks are freezing, let’s set up our breading station. This is where the magic happens!

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten.
3. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. If you want an extra kick, you can mix in a little more cayenne pepper or some additional spices to the breadcrumbs.

Coating the Mozzarella Sticks

Now that we have our cheese sticks frozen and our breading station set up, it’s time to coat those sticks!

1. Take the frozen mozzarella sticks out of the freezer. One by one, dip each stick into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Next, dip the floured cheese stick into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Finally, roll the cheese stick in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for all the cheese sticks.
4. For an extra crispy coating, I like to double-dip. So, after the first round of breading, dip the sticks back into the egg and then again into the breadcrumbs. This will give you that crunchy texture we all love!

Preparing the Hot Sauce Mixture

While the cheese sticks are being coated, let’s prepare the hot sauce mixture that will give our mozzarella sticks that signature Nashville hot flavor.

1. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Stir well until fully mixed. This will be used to drizzle over the fried mozzarella sticks later.
2. Adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your heat preference. If you like it spicy, feel free to add more!

Frying the Mozzarella Sticks

Now comes the fun part—frying! This is where the mozzarella sticks transform into crispy, gooey goodness.

1. In a large, deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the mozzarella sticks (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, or drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready!
2. Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary.
3. Fry the sticks for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to spice up their snack game! The combination of gooey, melty mozzarella and the fiery Nashville hot seasoning creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, enjoying a cozy movie night, or just craving a delicious treat, these mozzarella sticks will surely impress your friends and family. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these spicy delights with a cool ranch or blue cheese dip to balance out the heat. You can also experiment with different cheeses—try pepper jack for an extra kick or even a blend of cheeses for a unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve them alongside some crispy fried pickles or a side of spicy slaw for a true Southern-inspired feast. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience! I would love to hear how your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks turn out and any variations you come up with. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag your friends; they’ll definitely want to join in on the fun. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks that are sure to become a favorite in your household! Print

   Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Snack

   

   Print Recipe

   Enjoy crispy, gooey homemade mozzarella sticks, perfectly seasoned and fried to golden perfection. Drizzled with a spicy buttermilk hot sauce, they are an irresistible snack or appetizer!

   • Author: Maria
   • Prep Time: 30 minutes
   • Cook Time: 10 minutes
   • Total Time: 60 minutes
   • Yield: 16 mozzarella sticks 1x

   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound of mozzarella cheese sticks
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
   • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
   • 1 tablespoon onion powder
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 cup buttermilk
   • 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
   • Vegetable oil for frying
   • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

   Instructions

   1. Cut the mozzarella cheese sticks in half to create bite-sized pieces.
   2. Place the cheese sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
   3. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
   4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
   5. In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
   6. Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks from the freezer.
   7. Dip each stick into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat, and shake off excess flour.
   8. Next, dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, coating it fully.
   9. Roll the stick in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all sticks.
   10. For extra crunch, double-dip by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
   11. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce, stirring until well mixed. Adjust hot sauce to taste.
   12. In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
   13. Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.
   14. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
   15. Drizzle the hot sauce mixture over the fried mozzarella sticks and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

   Notes

   • Ensure the cheese sticks are well-frozen before frying to prevent them from melting too quickly.
   • Adjust the cayenne pepper in the breading and hot sauce mixture according to your spice preference.
   • For a healthier option, consider baking the mozzarella sticks instead of frying.