What Makes This Dish a Must-Try
Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a delightful twist on a classic snack. They combine gooey mozzarella with a spicy Nashville hot chicken flavor, making them perfect for parties, game days, or whenever you crave something crispy and cheesy. The contrast of hot, crunchy outsides and stretchy, melty insides is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can whip them up any time!
Crafting Your Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
To make these delicious snacks, follow this step-by-step guide. Don’t worry; it’s straightforward, and you’ll be enjoying these cheesy bites in no time!
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: Dipping sauce (ranch or marinara)
Directions
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Prepare three shallow bowls. Fill one with flour, another with the beaten eggs, and the last with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Nashville hot chicken seasoning.
- Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Take each mozzarella stick and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the egg, followed by rolling it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Freeze for a Bit: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This helps maintain their shape when frying.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping in a breadcrumb; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Fry to Perfection: Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once fried, transfer the sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
Enjoying Your Crispy Mozzarella Sticks
These hot mozzarella sticks are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Serve them fresh out of the fryer with your favorite dipping sauce, whether it’s creamy ranch or zesty marinara. They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back their crispiness.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Mozzarella Sticks
- Don’t Skip the Freezing: Freezing the sticks is essential for holding their shape during frying.
- Fry in Batches: Frying too many at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy sticks.
- Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on your oil temperature to avoid burning. Adjust the heat as necessary.
Fun Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative! You can add garlic powder or cayenne pepper to your breadcrumb mixture for extra kick. Another twist is to stuff the mozzarella sticks with jalapeños or pepperoni before breading.
Nutritional Information
While exact nutritional values can vary, here’s a general idea for one mozzarella stick (without dipping sauce):
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 9g
Serving Ideas for Family
These crispy mozzarella sticks make a great appetizer or snack. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or as part of a picnic platter. They can also be a fun addition to a movie night spread!
Perfect Pairings: What to Enjoy with These Sticks
We recommend pairing your mozzarella sticks with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or marinara. For drinks, try serving with a cold soda, iced tea, or a light beer for a truly enjoyable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! For a healthier option, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden.
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavors.
How do I make them less spicy?
Reduce the amount of Nashville hot chicken seasoning or skip it altogether. You can also cater your dip to balance the spice!
Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning
- 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup optional: Dipping sauce (ranch or marinara) For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with the beaten eggs, and the last with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Nashville hot chicken seasoning.
- Take each mozzarella stick and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the egg, followed by rolling it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking
- In a deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Once fried, transfer the sticks to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil.
