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, all while delivering a satisfying heat that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply indulging in a cozy night at home, these sticks are incredibly convenient to prepare and serve. Join me as we dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to bring a taste of Nashville right to your kitchen!

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
• 1/2 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 string cheese for this recipe because it’s perfectly portioned and melts beautifully. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Take the mozzarella cheese sticks out of the packaging and place them on a plate. If you want to make them extra spicy, you can cut them in half to create shorter sticks.
2. Next, place the plate of mozzarella sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it helps the cheese hold its shape during frying. Trust me, you don’t want a gooey mess!

Preparing the Breading Station

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

1. In a shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour. This will be our first layer of coating.
2. In a second shallow bowl, crack the two large eggs and whisk them until they are well combined. You can add a splash of buttermilk here for extra richness if you like.
3. In a third shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This will give our mozzarella sticks that signature Nashville hot flavor!

Breading the Mozzarella Sticks

Now that our cheese is chilled and our breading station is ready, it’s time to coat those mozzarella sticks!

1. Take a mozzarella stick from the freezer and roll it in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Next, dip the floured mozzarella stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered.
3. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella 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 into the breadcrumbs again. This will give you that crunchy texture we all love!

Frying the Mozzarella Sticks

Now comes the fun part—frying! Here’s how to do it safely and effectively:

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 browns quickly, the oil is 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 on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
4. Once they are done, use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Preparing the Nashville Hot Sauce

While the mozzarella sticks are frying, let’s whip up that spicy Nashville hot sauce that will take these sticks to the next level!

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 mouthwatering Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks—you won’t regret it! Print