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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are an irresistible combination of crunchy coating and gooey cheese, made even better with a spicy kick from homemade Nashville hot oil. Double-breaded and fried to golden perfection, these mozzarella sticks deliver the ultimate cheese pull and a flavorful punch. For those who love a little heat, the cayenne-infused oil takes these mozzarella sticks to the next level, but they’re just as delicious without it for a more classic version! Perfect as an appetizer or a snack, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite.
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Keyword: chili's copycat, mozzarella stick, nashville hot
Cost: $

Ingredients

  • 1 block mozzarella cheese cut into 1/4 inch rectangles
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup hot oil that you used to fry, this will be for the Nashville hot oil
  • 3 tbsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika powder
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  • Cut your block of mozzarella cheese into 1/4-inch rectangles to form the sticks.
  • In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon of onion powder. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 eggs. In a third bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon of oregano, and 1 tablespoon of onion powder.
  • Coat each mozzarella stick first in the flour mixture, then dip it into the whisked eggs, and finally coat it in the panko bread crumb mixture. Repeat the egg and bread crumb coating process for each mozzarella stick to double coat them for extra crispiness.
  • Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze them for at least 1 hour to help them hold their shape when frying.
  • Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Set them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
  • In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of hot oil (from frying), 3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to create your Nashville hot oil.
  • Toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the prepared Nashville hot oil, or drizzle the oil over the sticks for a spicy kick, depending on your preference.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, crispy, and spicy mozzarella sticks!