Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

from cocinarepublic.com
Appetizer
65 min
8 servings
623 kcal / serving

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are my copycat version of the Chili’s classic. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and coated in a spicy Nashville hot butter sauce.

Ingredients

  • 1 lbblock of whole milk mozzarella cheese (sliced into thick sticks)
  • 1 cupall-purpose flour
  • 3 largeeggs (whisked)
  • 1 cuppanko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cupplain breadcrumbs
  • 1 tspcayenne pepper
  • 1 tspsmoked paprika
  • ½ tspgarlic powder
  • ½ tsponion powder
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • avocado oil (for frying)
  • ½ cupunsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 tbspcayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tbspbrown sugar
  • 1 tspsmoked paprika
  • ½ tspgarlic powder
  • ½ tspchili powder (optional)
  • 2 tbsphot sauce
  • salt (to taste)

Directions

  1. 1

    Slice 1 lb block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick).

  2. 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. 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. 4

    Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes.

  5. 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. 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. 7

    Dip fried mozzarella sticks into the hot glaze. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.