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Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarell

Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella: Your New Favorite Snack

Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella sticks are the perfect blend of spice and cheese, making them a delightful snack for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 sticks
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sticks
  • 8 sticks Whole-Milk String Cheese or Low-Moisture Mozzarella Sticks Provides the best cheesy pull; avoid high-moisture cheese to prevent sogginess.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Binds the egg wash for proper coating adhesion.
  • 2 large Eggs Acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs to create a perfect crust.
  • 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs Delivers a lighter, crispier crust; feel free to mix in spices for added flavor.
For the Spicy Glaze
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Forms the base for the buttery glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice in the glaze.
  • 1 tablespoon Cayenne Pepper Gives a kick to both the breading and glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Contributes a delightful smoky flavor to your sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Infuses depth and savory notes in every bite.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Infuses depth and savory notes in every bite.
  • 1 tablespoon Hot Sauce A splash adds tang; adjust for your preferred heat level.
  • to taste Salt Season to taste for that perfect flavor balance.
  • to taste Black Pepper Season to taste for that perfect flavor balance.
For Frying
  • 2-3 cups Neutral Oil (e.g., Avocado, Canola, or Vegetable Oil) Ensures a high smoke point for crispiness while frying.

Equipment

  • Deep frying pan
  • Shallow bowls
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prep Cheese Sticks: Begin by placing your whole-milk string cheese or low-moisture mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, a second with beaten eggs, and the last filled with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Coat the Cheese Sticks: Dredge each stick in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then roll it in the spiced panko.
  4. Heat Oil: In a deep pan, pour enough neutral oil to submerge the cheese sticks, about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F to 360°F.
  5. Fry Sticks: Carefully add the breaded mozzarella sticks to the hot oil in batches and fry them for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes.
  7. Prepare Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and hot sauce.
  8. Coat in Glaze: Toss your freshly fried mozzarella sticks in the spicy glaze until they are evenly coated and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 3sticksCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 150mgSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For the best results, control the oil temperature and avoid sogginess by allowing the sticks to chill before frying.

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