Description
Crispy golden mozzarella sticks brushed with a bold Nashville hot buttery glaze, delivering the perfect balance of crunchy coating, gooey melted cheese, and fiery Southern-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1–2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 3 cups)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1–2 tablespoons hot sauce
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella sticks in half if desired and freeze for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dip each frozen cheese stick into flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
- Place coated sticks back into the freezer for 20–30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and stir in cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and hot sauce to create the Nashville hot glaze.
- Brush the hot glaze generously over the freshly fried mozzarella sticks.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Freezing before frying prevents cheese from leaking.
- Oil temperature should remain at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
- For baking, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- For air frying, cook at 390°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C).
- Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to control spice level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
