Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

4.5
(2)
2 Reviews
2 Photos

These Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are the bomb. They're extraordinarily spicy, crispy, and gooey.

By Staff Author
Published on September 16, 2024
2
golden fried mozzarella sticks in paper-lined basket with ranch dressing for dipping
2
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Freeze Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
4
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 1 (16 ounce) block mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce

  • 1 1/3 cups seasoned breadcrumbs

  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 4 tablespoons paprika, divided

  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying, or more as needed

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • ranch dressing for dipping

Directions

  1. Cut mozzarella cheese into 8 “plank”-shaped pieces, about 1/2-inch thick.

  2. Whisk flour in a shallow dish with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a second shallow dish, add beaten egg and whisk in hot sauce. In a third shallow dish, stir together breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon paprika. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.

  3. Coat each piece of cheese in flour and shake off excess. Coat evenly with egg mixture and then place in the breadcrumbs. Coat evenly with breadcrumbs.

  4. Return cheese to the egg and back into breadcrumbs, lightly pressing to adhere breadcrumbs. Place breaded cheese on the prepared wire rack. Repeat breading process with remaining cheese pieces. Place in freezer for 30 minutes. 

  5. Meanwhile, pour oil into a deep saucepan to a depth of 3 inches, and heat oil to 365 to 375 degrees F (185 to 190 degrees C). Combine remaining salt, pepper, and paprika with garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar in a heatproof bowl; stir until well blended. 

  6. Working a few at a time, carefully lower cheese pieces into hot oil. Fry about 1 minute, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Drain on wire rack. 

  7. Carefully pour 1 1/4 cups hot oil into the bowl with cayenne mixture and stir until well combined. Coat each cheese stick lightly in seasoned oil and return to wire rack to allow excess to drip off.  

  8. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

    golden fried mozzarella sticks in paper-lined basket with ranch dressing for dipping

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

    From the Editor

    Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

1006 Calories
57g Fat
85g Carbs
41g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 1006
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 57g 72%
Saturated Fat 19g 94%
Cholesterol 185mg 62%
Sodium 2434mg 106%
Total Carbohydrate 85g 31%
Dietary Fiber 7g 26%
Total Sugars 17g
Protein 41g 83%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 734mg 56%
Iron 7mg 40%
Potassium 569mg 12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.