Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

$- 12 mozzarella sticks - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup buttermilk - 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference) - 1 tablespoon brown sugar - Cooking oil, for frying Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks. You start with fresh mozzarella sticks. They bring that gooey, cheesy center. Next, you'll need all-purpose flour. This helps create a nice base for the sticks. Be sure to have eggs on hand. Beaten eggs help the coating stick well. Panko breadcrumbs are a must for that extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko gives a crispy texture that elevates the dish. Spices are what make these sticks special. Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika add amazing flavor. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste. It gives the heat, while brown sugar balances it out. Lastly, you need cooking oil for frying. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point. This ensures a perfect fry without any burnt flavors. Each ingredient plays a role, so choose wisely for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the spicy buttermilk sauce, start with one cup of buttermilk. Then, add two tablespoons of cayenne pepper. If you want more heat, feel free to add more. Next, sprinkle in one tablespoon of brown sugar. This sugar adds a nice sweetness. Mix all the ingredients well until the sugar dissolves. Set the sauce aside for later. It should be thick and spicy. For the coating, take three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix one cup of all-purpose flour with two tablespoons of salt, one teaspoon of black pepper, one teaspoon of garlic powder, and one teaspoon of paprika. In the second dish, place two beaten eggs. The third dish should have one cup of breadcrumbs, preferably panko. Panko gives a great crunch. Now, take each mozzarella stick and dip it in the flour mixture. Make sure it is coated well. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the stick to coat it fully. Repeat this process for all twelve mozzarella sticks. Once coated, place them in the freezer for at least thirty minutes. Freezing helps them keep their shape while frying. Heat cooking oil in a deep pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to fully submerge the sticks. When the oil is hot, carefully add a few sticks at a time. Fry them for about two to three minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks. Place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Once they are all fried, dip each hot mozzarella stick into the prepared spicy buttermilk sauce. Serve them right away while they are hot and crispy, with extra sauce on the side. Using panko breadcrumbs makes a big difference. Panko is lighter and flakier than regular breadcrumbs. It creates a crispier outer layer. This texture adds a delightful crunch to your mozzarella sticks. When you bite in, you get that satisfying snap. Freezing your mozzarella sticks is key. After coating them, place the sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while frying. If you skip this step, they may melt too much. A firm stick gives you more cheese and less mess. You can easily make these sticks as spicy as you like. Start with the two tablespoons of cayenne pepper. If you want less heat, use one tablespoon instead. For more kick, add a bit more cayenne. Taste the sauce before dipping. This way, you can find your perfect level of spice. Pro Tips Freeze for Better Frying: Freezing the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes helps them maintain their shape during frying, preventing excessive melting. Adjust the Heat: The amount of cayenne pepper can be adjusted based on your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure, and gradually increase for more spice! Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Opting for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs will give your mozzarella sticks a delightful crunch. Don't skip this step! Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the mozzarella sticks right after frying while they're hot and crispy, paired with extra dipping sauce for a flavorful kick. {{image_2}} You can have fun with cheeses! Try adding sharp cheddar or pepper jack for extra flavor. These cheeses melt well and give a nice kick. Mix it into the mozzarella for a cheesy blend. You can also use gouda for a smoky twist. Each cheese adds a unique taste, making your sticks even more special. For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with rice flour or almond flour. Both work great for coating. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. They still give a crunchy texture. Look for brands that are certified gluten-free to ensure safety. Pair your hot mozzarella sticks with tasty sides. Try serving them with cool ranch dip or spicy marinara sauce. A side of celery sticks can balance the heat. You can also serve them with pickles for a tangy addition. These sides make each bite even more enjoyable! To store leftover mozzarella sticks, place them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool to room temperature first. This helps keep them fresh. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. For the best texture, reheat mozzarella sticks in an oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the sticks on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until they are hot and crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a quicker option. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You can freeze mozzarella sticks before or after frying. If freezing before frying, coat them and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They will last for about three months. If freezing after frying, let them cool first. Wrap them tightly and store in a freezer bag for the same amount of time. Yes, you can bake them. Baking is a healthier option. It will give you a crisp texture but may lack the deep flavor of frying. Frying gives that golden crunch and rich taste. If you bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the sticks on a baking sheet and spray them with oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. This method works well, but expect some differences in taste and texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk with lemon juice or vinegar. Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. You can also use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with water. These substitutes keep the sauce creamy and tangy, just like buttermilk does. Nashville hot sauce is known for its heat. The cayenne pepper in the recipe adds a good kick. You can adjust the spice level by changing the cayenne amount. For less heat, use 1 tablespoon instead of 2. If you love spice, add more cayenne! The heat should make your taste buds dance, but not overwhelm you. Enjoy finding your perfect balance! Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are a fun dish to make. We covered the key ingredients, from mozzarella to spices. You learned the steps for making them crispy and flavorful. Tips helped with crunch and spice levels. You can also explore variations and storage methods. Enjoy these cheesy treats at your next gathering. They pair perfectly with your favorite dips. Make them your own by adjusting spice to fit your taste. Follow these steps, and you'll impress your friends and family.$

Crispy and spicy mozzarella sticks served with a flavorful dipping sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

12 sticks mozzarella sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
2 tablespoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
as needed oil for frying

Instructions

Start by preparing the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and set aside.
In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika together for the dry coating.
In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third dish, put the breadcrumbs.
Dip each mozzarella stick first in the flour mixture, ensuring even coating, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs, pressing to coat well. Repeat with all mozzarella sticks.
Once all sticks are coated, place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat oil over medium heat, enough to submerge the sticks.
Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks at a time to the hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the sticks and drain on paper towels.
Quickly dip each hot mozzarella stick into the prepared spicy buttermilk sauce, then place them back on the paper towel.
Serve the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks immediately while they are hot and crispy, with extra dipping sauce on the side.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper for desired heat level.

Keyword appetizer, mozzarella sticks, spicy