Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
- 1 lbblock of whole milk mozzarella cheese
sliced into thick sticks
- 1 call-purpose flour
- 3 largeeggs
whisked
- 1 cpanko breadcrumbs
- 1 cplain breadcrumbs
- 1 tspcayenne pepper
- 1 tspsmoked paprika
- ½ tspgarlic powder
- ½ tsponion powder
- to tastesalt and pepper
- avocado oil
for frying
- ½ cunsalted butter
melted
- 2 tbspcayenne pepper
- 2 tbspbrown sugar
- 1 tspsmoked paprika
- ½ tspgarlic powder
- ½ tspchili powder
optional
- 2 tbsphot sauce
- to tastesalt
Directions
- 1
Slice 1 lb block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick).
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes.
- 5
Heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F. Fry mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack.
- 6
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.
- 7
Dip fried mozzarella sticks into the hot glaze. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
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About this Recipe
Craving the irresistible crunch and gooey cheese of those iconic Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks from Chili's? This recipe brings that restaurant classic right to your kitchen, delivering a perfect balance of crispy texture, molten mozzarella, and a fiery Nashville hot kick. Get ready to impress with an appetizer that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What makes these Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks truly special is their ingenious double-breading, ensuring an incredibly crispy exterior that perfectly encases a gooey, melty center. The real star, however, is the Nashville hot butter sauce—a rich, spicy blend that elevates familiar mozzarella sticks into an unforgettable appetizer experience, making this dish stand out from typical versions.
Prepare for an explosion of flavors and textures with every bite. You'll first encounter the satisfying crunch of the seasoned breading, quickly followed by the decadent pull of warm, melted mozzarella. The spicy Nashville hot butter sauce then coats your palate with its distinctive heat, a delicious blend of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a touch of brown sugar, with an optional hint of chili powder. This appetizer is designed to be a showstopper, offering a bold, spicy, and utterly cheesy experience that will impress any guest.
Customization & Variations
You can easily tailor the heat level of your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks to your preference. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the butter sauce for a milder or more intense spice, starting with less and adding more to taste. Additionally, the chili powder in the sauce is optional, allowing you to fine-tune the complexity of the heat profile.
These Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer for game days, parties, or any casual gathering where you want to serve something truly memorable and packed with flavor. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, or simply enjoy them as is.