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Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside—these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are coated in a fiery, flavorful spice blend that gives every cheesy bite a bold Southern kick.

Ingredients

16 oz block low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon hot sauce

2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

For Nashville hot oil:

2 tablespoons frying oil (reserved)

½ cup hot frying oil

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

2 teaspoons paprika

½ teaspoon chili powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Optional: Ranch dressing for dipping

Instructions

  1. Cut mozzarella into thick sticks and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
  2. In one bowl, mix flour, salt, paprika, and cayenne. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with hot sauce. Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  3. Dredge each cheese stick in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating for extra crunch. Lay sticks back on tray.
  4. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese from oozing during frying.
  5. Heat oil to 350°F. Fry sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
  6. In a heatproof bowl, combine brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Carefully whisk in hot frying oil until fully blended.
  7. Brush or toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the Nashville hot oil. Serve immediately with ranch dressing if desired.

Notes

Milder version: Reduce or omit cayenne and hot sauce.

Extra hot: Add ghost pepper powder or extra cayenne.

Smoky twist: Use smoked paprika in the oil.

Sweet heat: Drizzle honey over the coated sticks.

Alternative dips: Try blue cheese, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumntasty.com/nashville-hot-mozzarella-sticks/