Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella (Printer-Friendly Version)

Golden crispy sticks with melted cheese and a bold, buttery Nashville hot glaze for an irresistible snack.

# Required Ingredients:

→ Mozzarella Sticks

01 - 280 grams low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks
02 - 120 grams all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs, whisked
04 - 120 grams panko breadcrumbs
05 - 5 grams cayenne pepper
06 - 5 grams smoked paprika
07 - 3 grams garlic powder
08 - 3 grams onion powder
09 - 3 grams salt
10 - 2 grams ground black pepper
11 - 1.5 liters neutral oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable) for frying

→ Nashville Hot Glaze

12 - 57 grams unsalted butter
13 - 25 grams brown sugar
14 - 5 grams cayenne pepper
15 - 5 grams smoked paprika
16 - 3 grams garlic powder
17 - 30 milliliters vinegar-based hot sauce

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Arrange three shallow bowls: place all-purpose flour in the first, whisk eggs until smooth in the second, and combine panko breadcrumbs with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in the third.
02 - Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, then press firmly into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Repeat dipping in egg wash and breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy crust. Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined tray.
03 - Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 20-30 minutes to set the coating, preventing cheese leakage during frying.
04 - Heat oil to 190°C in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Fry mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes until deep golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
05 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in brown sugar, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce until smooth and combined.
06 - Dip each fried mozzarella stick into the warm glaze, coating completely. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

# Handy Cooking Tips:

01 - Maintaining oil temperature at 190°C ensures a crispy crust without greasy or burnt sticks.
02 - Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level according to preference.
03 - Freezing breaded sticks before frying is essential to prevent cheese leakage.
04 - Air fryer alternative: cook frozen sticks at 200°C for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

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