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Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: The Ultimate Game-Day Appetizer Reinvented

Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: The Ultimate Game-Day Appetizer Reinvented
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Take classic mozzarella sticks up a notch with a spicy Nashville hot twist! Crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, these sticks are tossed in a fiery butter glaze for a snack or appetizer that’s irresistible. Perfect for parties or a fun game-day treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Mozzarella Sticks

  • 1 lb block whole milk mozzarella, cut into sticks (~3” x ½”)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3 large eggs, whisked

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs

  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp onion powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Avocado oil, for frying

Nashville Hot Glaze

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp chili powder (optional)

  • 2–3 tbsp hot sauce

  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks

  1. Slice mozzarella into sticks (~3 inches long, ½ inch thick).

2. Set Up Breading Station

  1. Bowl 1: flour

  2. Bowl 2: whisked eggs

  3. Bowl 3: panko + plain breadcrumbs + cayenne + smoked paprika + garlic powder + onion powder + salt + pepper

3. Bread the Mozzarella

  1. Coat each stick: flour → egg → breadcrumb mixture.

  2. Repeat egg → breadcrumbs for a double coating.

  3. Place on a tray and freeze 15–20 minutes.

4. Fry

  1. Heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Fry sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden.

  3. Drain on a wire rack.

5. Make the Nashville Hot Glaze

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter.

  2. Add cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (optional), hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth.

6. Coat and Serve

  1. Dip fried mozzarella sticks in the hot glaze.

  2. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

  • Freeze after breading—this prevents cheese from melting too fast while frying.

  • Double coat with egg and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy crust.

  • Use avocado or vegetable oil and maintain 375°F for perfect frying.

  • Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the glaze to control spiciness.

Find it online: https://tastyquickly.com/crispy-and-spicy-nashville-hot-mozzarella-sticks-the-ultimate-game-day-appetizer-reinvented/