Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
02 -
130 grams all-purpose flour
03 -
2 large eggs
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30 millilitres whole milk
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200 grams seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
0.5 teaspoon salt
08 -
0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Nashville Hot Coating
09 -
120 millilitres melted butter or vegetable oil
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1.5 tablespoons cayenne pepper
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
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0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
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0.5 teaspoon chili powder
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0.25 teaspoon onion powder
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0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
17 -
Pinch of salt
# Instructions:
01 -
Place mozzarella sticks on a lined tray and freeze for 30–60 minutes until solid to prevent melting during frying.
02 -
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour; one with whisked eggs and milk; and one with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper combined.
03 -
Coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and roll in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumb coating.
04 -
Freeze the breaded sticks again for 30 minutes to help maintain structure when frying.
05 -
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 175°C. Fry sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
06 -
In a bowl, whisk melted butter or oil with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.
07 -
Brush or gently toss the hot, fried mozzarella sticks in the spicy Nashville hot coating until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.
02 -
Double coating delivers an extra crisp texture.
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Mozzarella sticks can be baked or air-fried, but deep frying yields the best crunch.
04 -
Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip and pickles for an authentic Nashville experience.