Description
Crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are a delicious appetizer featuring gooey melted mozzarella cheese encased in a spicy, crunchy Nashville hot seasoned panko coating. Perfect for a snack or party appetizer with a kick of heat, these fried sticks are quick to make and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into thick sticks
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning
Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
To Serve
- Hot sauce, to drizzle on top
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the mozzarella sticks: Cut the fresh mozzarella into sticks approximately 1 inch wide and 3 to 4 inches long, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Set up the coating station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and mix panko breadcrumbs with Nashville hot chicken seasoning in a third bowl.
- Coat the mozzarella sticks: Dredge each stick first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture.
- Freeze to set coating: Arrange the coated sticks on a tray and freeze for about 30 minutes to solidify the coating and help prevent cheese leakage while frying.
- Heat oil for frying: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C), maintaining this temperature for optimal crisping.
- Fry the sticks: Fry the sticks in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until the exterior turns golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried sticks with a slotted spoon and briefly drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Drizzle with hot sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately while hot and gooey inside.
Notes
- Freezing after coating is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying.
- Maintaining the oil temperature at 350°F ensures crispy coating without burning.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and texture.
- For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Nashville hot seasoning in the breadcrumbs.
- Serve immediately for optimal gooey texture and crispiness.
