Description
Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, coated in a spicy batter and served with a zesty hot sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these golden-brown treats are sure to impress at any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well mixed.
- In another bowl, crack the two large eggs and add the buttermilk. Whisk until fully combined.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured mozzarella stick into the egg and buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the stick in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure adherence. Repeat for all sticks.
- For extra crunch, double-dip the sticks by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the mozzarella sticks (about 2-3 inches deep). Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add a few mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Monitor to prevent burning.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the sticks and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and hot sauce. Stir until fully mixed.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level.
- For a more intense flavor, let the coated mozzarella sticks chill longer in the freezer.
- Serve with extra hot sauce on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes