Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks:
1 lb block of whole milk mozzarella cheese sliced into thick sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs whisked
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Avocado oil for frying
Nashville Hot Glaze:
½ cup unsalted butter melted
2 tbsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chili powder optional
2–3 tbsp hot sauce
Salt to taste
Instructions
Slice 1 lb block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick).
Prepare 3 bowls: one with 1 cup flour, one with 3 whisked eggs, and one with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, and then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating. Place breaded sticks on a tray.
Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes.
Heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F. Fry mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack.
In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter. Add 2 tbsp cayenne, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp chili powder (optional), 2-3 tbsp hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
Dip fried mozzarella sticks into the hot glaze. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
Top Tips for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Freeze After Breading: Freezing after breading ensures the coating stays intact and the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly while frying.
Double Coat for Crunch: A second coating of egg and breadcrumbs creates an extra crispy crust.
Use Fresh Mozzarella Blocks: Block mozzarella provides the creamy texture and shape needed for uniform sticks.
Control the Spice: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce in the glaze for your desired heat level.
Serve Fresh: These sticks are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is gooey and the crust is crunchy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 623kcal
- Fat: 36.9g
- Carbohydrates: 36.4g
- Protein: 21.4g