Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Name: Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sticks; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning; 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying); Optional: Dipping sauce (ranch or marinara)

Published: May 21, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion
Their bold flavor profile will have everyone reaching for more
With their golden-brown visual appeal, they make a stunning appetizer or snack
Enjoy them as is or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for added versatility

I once made these for a game night, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about them! The crispy exterior combined with the melty cheese inside left everyone wanting seconds and thirds. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs recipe.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious baked meatball recipe.

Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Opt for high-quality cheese sticks to ensure maximum stretchiness when melted. For more inspiration, check out this Mozzarella Pepperoni Croissant Rolls recipe.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the first layer of coating; keep it light and fluffy.
Eggs: Use large eggs to bind the flour and breadcrumbs together effectively.
Breadcrumbs: Choose seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor; they add a nice crunch to each bite.
Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning: This is where the magic happens; it adds that unforgettable spicy kick.
Vegetable Oil: Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point; it ensures even cooking without burning. another cheesy appetizer idea ideal appetizer for gatherings.
Dipping Sauce (optional): Ranch or marinara sauce works wonderfully to complement the spiciness of the cheese sticks.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Nashville hot chicken seasoning. This assembly line makes coating easier.

Coat the Cheese Sticks: Take each mozzarella stick and roll it in flour first, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off excess flour before dipping it into the egg mixture followed by the breadcrumb mix for that crunchy layer.

Freeze for Better Results: Place coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes; this helps maintain their shape during frying.

Heat Up the Oil: In a deep skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping in a breadcrumb—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!

Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully add frozen mozzarella sticks to the hot oil in batches. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides—about 1-2 minutes per side.

Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, transfer mozzarella sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil before serving. This step keeps them crispy!

Now you have your very own Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! Serve them warm alongside ranch or marinara dipping sauces if you desire—though I won’t judge if you decide to enjoy them plain.

You Must Know

Creating crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks is all about the double-breading technique
This enhances crunchiness while locking in that gooey cheese goodness
Perfect for game day or a cozy movie night, they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by setting up your breading station. Dip each mozzarella stick in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for maximum crunch. Fry them in hot oil until golden brown and bubbly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to spice things up! Add cayenne pepper to your breadcrumbs for extra heat or experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a zesty twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the crispiest results, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying
Don’t overcrowd the pan; it can lower the oil temperature and make them soggy
If you want more flavor, let the cheese sit at room temperature before coating it

When I first made these crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. They declared it was my best recipe yet—talk about pressure for future gatherings!

FAQ

Can I use different cheese for this recipe?

Yes, pepper jack or cheddar work great if you want to mix things up.

How do I know when the mozzarella sticks are done frying?

They should be golden brown and floating in the oil; this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for a healthier option while still achieving crispiness.

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📖 Recipe Card