Nashville hot mozzarella sticks

In recent years, Nashville hot cuisine has taken the culinary world by storm, captivating food lovers with its unique blend of heat and flavor. Originating from the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee, this culinary trend is best known for its spicy fried chicken, which is marinated in a blend of spices and then slathered in a fiery cayenne-infused oil before being served. The popularity of this flavor-packed dish has transcended its roots, leading to creative adaptations that appeal to a wide range of palates. One such delicious innovation is the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick, a tantalizing twist on the classic appetizer that combines the gooey, cheesy goodness of mozzarella with the bold, spicy flavors that Nashville cuisine is known for.

Discover the bold flavors of Nashville hot cuisine with these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks. This tasty twist on a classic appetizer combines crunchy, golden-brown breading with gooey mozzarella and a spicy cayenne-infused oil. Perfect for parties or game days, this recipe balances heat and flavor beautifully. Learn how to achieve the ideal crispy texture and impress your guests with this fiery, cheesy delight that will have everyone craving more!

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Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

12 ounces mozzarella cheese sticks

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

For the Nashville Hot Oil:

½ cup vegetable oil

2 tablespoons cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon salt

For Serving:

Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (optional)

Pickles (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Mozzarella Sticks:

- Start by freezing the mozzarella sticks for about 30 minutes until they are firm. This will help them hold their shape during frying.

Set Up the Breading Station:

- In three shallow bowls, set up your breading assembly line. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Bread the Cheese:

- Remove the mozzarella sticks from the freezer. Roll each stick in the flour to coat evenly, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they stick well. Repeat for all cheese sticks.

Prepare the Nashville Hot Oil:

- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the vegetable oil, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt. Stir well and let it cook for about 5 minutes, being careful not to let it burn. Remove it from the heat and set aside.

Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:

- Fill a large deep skillet or pot with vegetable oil up to 3 inches deep and heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded mozzarella sticks in batches, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Drain and Coat:

- Remove the fried mozzarella sticks using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. While they are still hot, drizzle generously with the Nashville hot oil mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.

Serve:

- Serve the Nashville hot mozzarella sticks with your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing and pickles on the side for a zesty flavor contrast. Enjoy your fiery and cheesy treat!

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Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4