Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Snack

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your snacking game. Originating from the vibrant culinary scene of Nashville, Tennessee, this dish combines the gooey, melty goodness of mozzarella with a fiery, spicy kick that pays homage to the city’s famous hot chicken. As someone who has always been captivated by the bold flavors of Southern cuisine, I can assure you that these mozzarella sticks are not just a snack; they are an experience.

People love Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks for their perfect balance of crispy exterior and stretchy, cheesy interior, making each bite a satisfying adventure. The convenience of preparing these sticks at home means you can enjoy them fresh out of the fryer, paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home, these spicy treats are sure to impress. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that brings a taste of Nashville right to your kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese sticks (cut in half if desired)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Batter

Let’s get started on making these delicious Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! The first step is to prepare the batter and coating for our cheese sticks.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until they are well mixed. This will be our dry mixture.
2. In another bowl, crack the two large eggs and add the buttermilk. Whisk them together until they are fully combined. This will be our wet mixture.
3. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. If you want extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They will give your mozzarella sticks that perfect crispy texture.

Coating the Mozzarella Sticks

Now that we have our batter ready, it’s time to coat the mozzarella sticks.

1. Take each mozzarella stick and first dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Next, dip the floured mozzarella stick into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella sticks.
4. For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the sticks. Simply repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps again for each stick.

Chilling the Coated Sticks

To ensure that our mozzarella sticks hold their shape while frying, we need to chill them for a bit.

1. Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Cover them with plastic wrap and place them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This will help the cheese firm up and prevent it from oozing out during frying.

Frying the Mozzarella Sticks

Now comes the fun part—frying! Let’s get those sticks crispy and golden brown.

1. In a large, deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the mozzarella sticks (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature, or drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is ready.
2. Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches if necessary.
3. Fry the sticks for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
4. Once they are done, use a slotted spoon to remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Preparing the Nashville Hot Sauce

While the mozzarella sticks are frying, let’s whip up the Nashville hot sauce that will give our sticks that signature spicy kick.

1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and hot sauce. Stir well until they are fully mixed.

Conclusion:

In summary, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to spice up their snack game! The combination of gooey, melty mozzarella and the fiery Nashville hot seasoning creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, enjoying a cozy movie night, or just craving a delicious treat, these mozzarella sticks will surely impress your friends and family. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these spicy delights with a cool ranch or blue cheese dip to balance out the heat. You can also experiment with different cheeses—try pepper jack for an extra kick or even a blend of cheeses for a unique twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve them alongside some crispy fried pickles or a side of spicy slaw for a true Southern-inspired feast. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience! I would love to hear how your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks turn out and any variations you come up with. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag your friends; they’ll definitely want to join in on the fun. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in these mouthwatering Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks—you won’t regret it!

Print