Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
200 grams low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
→ Breading
02 -
100 grams all-purpose flour
03 -
2 large eggs, beaten
04 -
150 grams panko breadcrumbs
05 -
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
06 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
1 teaspoon salt
10 -
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
11 -
Neutral oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable) for deep frying, about 500 milliliters
→ Nashville Hot Glaze
12 -
60 grams unsalted butter
13 -
30 grams brown sugar
14 -
1.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
15 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
17 -
2 tablespoons vinegar-based hot sauce
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Arrange three shallow bowls: place all-purpose flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and combine panko breadcrumbs with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in the third.
02 -
Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess, dip in egg wash, then coat thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat dipping in egg wash and breadcrumbs to create a thicker crust. Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray.
03 -
Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks on the tray for 20 to 30 minutes to set the coating and prevent cheese leakage during frying.
04 -
Heat oil in a deep pot to 190°C. Fry sticks in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer to a wire rack to drain excess oil.
05 -
Melt butter over medium heat in a saucepan. Whisk in brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce until smooth and combined.
06 -
Using tongs, dip each fried mozzarella stick into the warm glaze, ensuring full coating. Arrange on a serving platter and serve immediately with a dipping sauce of choice.
# Helpful Notes:
01 -
Maintaining oil temperature at 190°C ensures the coating crisps quickly without absorbing excess oil. The freezing step is essential to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
02 -
Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spice level. For a lighter version, air fry coated sticks at 200°C for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
03 -
Breaded sticks can be stored frozen in airtight containers up to one month and fried directly from frozen.