Description
Crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are an irresistible appetizer that combines gooey, melted mozzarella cheese with a spicy, crunchy coating. These sticks are perfect for snacking or serving at parties, delivering a fiery kick with Nashville hot chicken seasoning and a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into thick sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- Hot sauce, to drizzle on top
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Cut the fresh mozzarella cheese into sticks about 1 inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long, ensuring uniform size for even coating and frying.
- Set Up Coating Station: Arrange three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed thoroughly with Nashville hot chicken seasoning.
- Coat the Mozzarella: Dredge each mozzarella stick first in the flour to coat lightly, then dip it into the beaten eggs to moisten, and finally roll it in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs to form a crispy outer layer.
- Freeze the Coated Sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze them for about 30 minutes. This step helps to solidify the coating so that the cheese does not melt too quickly during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for frying.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the sticks in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until the coating is golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Garnish: Remove fried sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle with hot sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Freezing the coated sticks is essential to prevent cheese from melting too quickly and leaking during frying.
- Use fresh mozzarella cheese for best results; low-moisture mozzarella will not melt as well.
- Adjust the amount of Nashville hot chicken seasoning to suit your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately while hot and gooey for the best texture and flavor.
