Okay, let’s be real – who *doesn’t* love mozzarella sticks? And Nashville hot? That spicy, tangy kick is just… *chef’s kiss*. So, naturally, I had this crazy idea: why not combine them?! That’s how these **Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks** were born.
I remember the first time I tried Nashville hot chicken. My mouth was on FIRE, but I couldn’t stop eating it! Seriously addictive. I wanted to recreate that experience, but, you know, in a cheesy, gooey, mozzarella stick kind of way. Trust me, these are a game-changer. You get that amazing cheese pull *and* that signature Nashville hot spice. What’s not to love?
Why You’ll Love These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Quick and Easy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Seriously, these are SO fast! From fridge to plate in like, 20 minutes? Perfect for when you need a quick snack fix. I mean, who has time for complicated recipes?!
Irresistible Spicy Cheese Pull with Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Okay, the cheese pull is LEGIT. But the real magic is the Nashville hot seasoning. That spicy kick with the melty mozzarella? Forget about it! It’s a flavor explosion!
Perfect Appetizer: Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Game day? Party? Just a random Tuesday? These **Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks** are *always* a hit. Trust me, they’ll disappear fast! I’ve never seen them last long at any gathering.
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather everything we need for these bad boys! Nothing too fancy, I promise. Just good ol’ ingredients that pack a PUNCH of flavor. I always double-check my list before I start… nothing worse than realizing you’re missing something halfway through!
Precise Ingredient List for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Okay, here’s the rundown of what you’ll need. Don’t skimp on the good stuff! Remember, quality in = quality out, right? Here’s what I use:
- 12 mozzarella sticks (I like the string cheese kind, cut in half!)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten (give ’em a good whisk!)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (makes ’em extra crispy!)
- 2 tablespoons Nashville hot seasoning (adjust to your spice level!)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to submerge those sticks!)
What You’ll Need for the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Basically, just mozzarella sticks, flour, eggs, panko, Nashville hot seasoning, and oil. Easy peasy! Now go grab ’em!
How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Okay, this is where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s super easy, even if you’re not a pro. Just follow along, and you’ll have crispy, spicy, cheesy goodness in no time! I promise. I’ve messed this up a few times (oops!), so I’ve learned all the tricks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
First things first, set up your dredging station. Flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and panko mixed with that glorious Nashville hot seasoning in the last. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! We want that HEAT!
Now, grab a mozzarella stick and get ready to coat it. Dredge it in the flour first, making sure it’s fully covered. Then, dip it in the egg – let the excess drip off! Finally, coat it in that spicy panko mixture. Press it on gently to make sure it sticks. Repeat for all the sticks!
Here’s a pro tip: pop those coated sticks in the freezer for about 30 minutes *before* frying. Trust me, this helps prevent the cheese from exploding everywhere. Nobody wants a cheesy oil mess!
While those are chilling, heat your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Careful, hot oil is no joke! Once the oil is ready, carefully drop in a few mozzarella sticks at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pot! Fry them for just 1-2 minutes, until they’re golden brown and the cheese is melty. Keep a close eye on them, they can burn fast!
Remove the fried sticks and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve immediately. Seriously, these are best when they’re hot and gooey!
Tips for Perfect Frying Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Freezing those sticks is KEY to preventing meltdowns (literally!). Also, don’t overcook them! A minute or two is all you need. If the oil isn’t hot enough, they’ll get soggy, so make sure you get that temp right! And be careful, hot oil can splatter!
Serving Suggestions for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Okay, so you’ve got these amazing **Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks**… what do you serve with ’em?! Well, first things first: dipping sauce is a MUST. But what kind?! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Dipping Sauces for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Honestly, ranch is a classic for a reason! But if you’re feeling adventurous, try blue cheese or a cool, creamy sauce to balance out that heat. My personal fave? A little bit of both!
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: Make it a Meal
Want to make it a *real* meal? Toss a side salad on the plate and BAM! Healthy-ish! Or go full comfort food and add some fries. No judgment here!
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: Variations
Want to mix things up? Of course, you do! That’s what cooking is all about! Here are a couple of ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Spice Level: Adjusting the Heat in Your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Not a fan of super-spicy? No prob! Use less Nashville hot seasoning, or mix it with some regular panko. Want MORE heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper! Easy peasy!
Cheese Options for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or even pepper jack would be AMAZING! Just make sure it melts well. Ooey-gooey cheese is a *must*, right?!
FAQ About Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about these **Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks**. If you’re still scratching your head, just drop a comment below. I’m happy to help!
Can I bake Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks instead of frying them?
You *can*, but they won’t be quite as crispy. If baking, try 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Frying gives you that ultimate crunch, though!
Can I prepare Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks ahead of time?
Totally! Coat them, freeze them, then fry them right before serving. Just don’t let them sit out at room temp for too long, or they’ll get soggy. Nobody wants that!
What is Nashville hot seasoning made of?
It’s a blend of spices that gives Nashville hot its signature kick! Usually, it includes cayenne pepper (LOTS of it!), paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and a few other secret ingredients. You can find it pre-made, or make your own!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Okay, so, heads up: I’m not a nutritionist! But roughly, you’re looking at around 350 calories per serving, with about 20g of fat, 15g of protein, and 30g of carbs. But hey, it’s an *estimate*! Enjoy!
Rate This Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Loved these **Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks**? Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And don’t forget to give the recipe a rating! Your feedback helps other spice lovers find this yummy recipe!
PrintNashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: An Unholy 12 Min Recipe
Spicy and cheesy mozzarella sticks with a Nashville hot twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Nashville hot seasoning
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Place flour, eggs, and panko in separate shallow dishes.
- Mix Nashville hot seasoning into panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in egg, and coat with panko mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Adjust Nashville hot seasoning to your spice preference.
- For best results, freeze mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes before frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg