Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines crispy, cheesy, and spicy flavors for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Easy to customize with your preferred heat level.
- Great for parties, game days, or any occasion where bold flavors shine.
- Quick to prepare, with just 25 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 8 slices of beef
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Oil for frying
Directions
- Prepare Mozzarella Sticks:
Wrap each mozzarella stick tightly with a slice of beef, ensuring the ends are secure. Use toothpicks if necessary to hold the wrap in place. - Set Up Breading Station:
Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. Dip each wrapped mozzarella stick into the flour, followed by the egg, and finish with the breadcrumbs. Ensure they’re well-coated. - Fry the Sticks:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. - Prepare Nashville Hot Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Brush the sauce generously over the fried mozzarella sticks while they’re still hot. - Serve:
Plate the mozzarella sticks and serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 sticks
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Cheese Options: Experiment with pepper jack or cheddar sticks for a unique twist.
- Heat Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to make the recipe milder or spicier.
- Breading: Add grated Parmesan or garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Sauce: Try a tangy BBQ or garlic butter sauce as an alternative to Nashville hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
It’s best to use whole mozzarella sticks for this recipe to maintain structure during frying.
3. What oil is best for frying?
Use oils with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free.
5. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the sticks are tightly wrapped and fully coated during breading to minimize leaks.
6. Can I freeze these before frying?
Absolutely! Freeze the breaded sticks for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
7. What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Ranch, blue cheese, or a cooling yogurt dip are excellent choices to balance the spice.
8. Can I use this recipe with other types of cheese?
Yes, string cheese or other semi-hard cheeses work well. Avoid overly soft cheeses.
9. What makes it Nashville hot?
The signature spicy sauce, a blend of hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and cayenne, gives it that Nashville hot flavor.
10. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bread the sticks ahead of time and freeze or refrigerate them until ready to fry.
Conclusion
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a deliciously indulgent appetizer that combines crispy coating, melty cheese, and spicy-sweet flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a snack with a kick, these mozzarella sticks are a guaranteed hit. Try them today and enjoy the perfect bite of spice, crunch, and gooey goodness.
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 sticks
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate spicy appetizer, featuring gooey cheese wrapped in beef, a crispy golden coating, and a bold Nashville hot sauce. Perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you crave a fiery, cheesy snack.
Ingredients
- 8 mozzarella sticks
- 8 slices of beef
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Wrap Mozzarella Sticks:
Tightly wrap each mozzarella stick with a slice of beef. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed. - Breading Station:
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. Coat each wrapped mozzarella stick in flour, dip in egg, and roll in breadcrumbs. - Fry the Sticks:
Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer. Fry sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels. - Nashville Hot Sauce:
Mix hot sauce, honey, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Brush over hot mozzarella sticks. - Serve:
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce for a milder or spicier flavor.
- To make ahead, bread the mozzarella sticks and refrigerate or freeze until ready to fry.
- For a healthier option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
