Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) block mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 1/3 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons paprika, divided
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying, or more as needed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Ranch dressing for dipping

Directions

1. Cut the mozzarella cheese into 8 "plank"-shaped pieces, each about 1/2 inch thick.
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
3. In a second shallow dish, whisk the beaten eggs with hot sauce until fully combined.
4. In a third shallow dish, combine seasoned breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon of paprika.
5. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. Begin breading the cheese: first coat each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
6. Next, dip the flour-coated cheese into the egg mixture, ensuring an even coating.
7. Transfer the egg-coated cheese to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
8. Return the breaded cheese to the egg and then back into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly again to coat thoroughly.
9. Place the breaded cheese sticks onto the prepared wire rack. Repeat with the remaining cheese pieces.
10. Freeze the breaded cheese for 30 minutes to set the coating.
11. Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a deep saucepan to a depth of 3 inches. Heat the oil to 365F to 375F (185C to 190C).
12. In a heatproof bowl, combine the remaining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is well-blended.
13. Carefully lower the cheese sticks, a few at a time, into the hot oil. Fry for about 1 minute, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
14. Remove the fried cheese from the oil and drain on a wire rack.
15. Pour 1 1/4 cups of the hot frying oil into the bowl with the cayenne mixture and stir well to combine.
16. Lightly coat each fried cheese stick in the seasoned oil mixture, then return to the wire rack to allow any excess oil to drip off.
17. Serve the mozzarella sticks hot with ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 1006
• Total Fat: 57g (72% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 19g (94% DV)
• Cholesterol: 185mg (62% DV)
• Sodium: 2434mg (106% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 85g (31% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 7g (26% DV)
• Total Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 41g (83% DV)
• Vitamin C: 5mg (6% DV)
• Calcium: 734mg (56% DV)
• Iron: 7mg (40% DV)
• Potassium: 569mg (12% DV)

Origin of Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks: Nashville Hot Chicken is a staple of Southern cuisine, famous for its fiery, spicy coating and rich history rooted in Nashville, Tennessee. The dish was originally created by Prince's Hot Chicken Shack in the 1930s as a way to get back at the owner's unfaithful partner. This bold recipe, involving deep frying chicken coated in a spice-heavy seasoning, was adopted by locals and has since become a Nashville signature. Over time, the concept of spicy, deep-fried food has evolved to include various variations, one of the most popular being the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks. These sticks offer the same beloved spicy kick but with the gooey indulgence of mozzarella cheese, merging the comfort of a snack with the fiery heat Nashville is known for.

Regional Features: Nashville is known for its distinctive approach to hot chicken, which is typically battered and fried, then slathered in a spicy oil-based sauce, often consisting of cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This intense heat combined with the sweetness of brown sugar creates a complex flavor profile that has been adapted in many different forms. In this recipe, mozzarella sticks are coated in this signature Nashville hot seasoning, giving a new twist to a familiar comfort food. While hot chicken is the traditional dish, the popularity of Nashville's fiery flavors has influenced other food items, including these mozzarella sticks.

Difference from Similar Dishes: While mozzarella sticks are typically breaded and deep-fried cheese served with marinara sauce, the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks stand apart due to their spicy, oil-based seasoning, inspired by the bold flavors of Nashville hot chicken. Unlike the traditional mild and tangy dipping sauces commonly paired with mozzarella sticks, the hot sauce used in this recipe adds a fiery kick that transforms the snack into an intense, flavor-packed experience. This makes it significantly more exciting for those who love spicy foods and crave something different from the usual mozzarella stick experience.

Where They Are Usually Served: Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are often served as an appetizer or a snack at Southern-inspired restaurants and bars, particularly those with a focus on Nashville-style hot chicken. They are a favorite choice for parties, game days, or casual gatherings where guests can enjoy a spicy and indulgent treat. The crispy exterior, gooey cheese interior, and spicy coating make them a crowd-pleaser. These sticks are also commonly found at pop-up eateries and food trucks that specialize in Southern comfort foods with a fiery twist.

Interesting Facts: Did you know that Nashville Hot Chicken was initially created by a vengeful woman looking to get back at her cheating boyfriend? It's believed that she created the intensely spicy chicken dish in an effort to "spice up" his life in an ironic and fiery way. Since then, the dish has become a beloved part of Nashvilles culinary culture. The citys love for hot, spicy foods has not only led to the popularity of hot chicken but also the creation of new spicy variations, such as Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks. Whether you're a fan of the original hot chicken or the modern twist with mozzarella sticks, both dishes share the same fiery spirit that has become synonymous with Nashville.

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