Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a snack that packs a punch, look no further than these irresistible Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks. Imagine golden, gooey cheese encased in a crispy coating, all drenched in a spicy-sweet Nashville glaze. The combination of flavors in these sticks is pure magic, making them a must-have for game nights or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.

Every time I whip up a batch of these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, they fly off the plate faster than I can make them. The process of painting on that fiery sauce is not only fun but also incredibly rewarding when you see the delighted expressions on your friends’ faces as they take their first bite. These sticks have become a signature party snack in my house, and I can’t imagine hosting an event without them.

For those who like things a bit milder, you can easily customize these mozzarella sticks by opting for a different type of cheese or adjusting the amount of cayenne in the sauce. Whether you enjoy them on their own or paired with a refreshing slaw, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are sure to be a hit at any gathering. So, get ready to experience the perfect marriage of Southern heat and cheesy goodness in every bite!

Quick Benefits

• Creates a unique, crave-worthy twist on classic mozzarella sticks with Nashville hot sauce
• Offers a satisfying crunchy texture with a bold Southern flavor profile
• Homemade buttermilk ranch dip provides a cooling contrast to the spicy-sweet glaze
• Make-ahead friendly: freeze mozzarella sticks for easy frying straight from frozen

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe Recipe

• Bold Southern Twist: This recipe provides a unique spin on classic mozzarella sticks by infusing them with the spicy-sweet Nashville hot sauce.
• Crave-Worthy Snack: The golden, crunchy exterior of the mozzarella sticks paired with the spicy Nashville glaze and creamy ranch dip create a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.
• Crowd Favorite: Perfect for game nights or any gathering, these mozzarella sticks are guaranteed to disappear quickly and become a go-to party snack.
• Fun to Make: Painting on the spicy sauce and seeing the reactions of friends and family trying them for the first time is a satisfying and entertaining experience.
• Signature Party Snack: These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks can become a signature dish for your gatherings due to their unique flavor profile and popularity with guests.
• Make Ahead: Leftovers can be stored and reheated for up to three days, making them a convenient option for meal prep or future snacking.
• Versatile: Can be customized with different types of cheese or modifications for dietary preferences such as using gluten-free breadcrumbs or plant-based cheese.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve these mozzarella sticks with a side of slaw, a green salad, or other Southern-inspired snacks like fried pickles for a complete and satisfying meal or party spread.
• Epic Flavor Combination: By combining the fiery sweet Nashville hot sauce with the cheesy goodness of mozzarella sticks, this recipe creates a delicious fusion of Southern heat and Italian-American comfort food.
• Irresistible: With a crispy outer layer, gooey melted cheese center, and the perfect amount of spice, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients for Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Base Ingredients

• Vegetable oil, for deep frying
• 1 large egg
• 450 g mozzarella, cut into 7.5 x 5 cm sticks
• 15 ml water

Breading

• 5 g ground black pepper
• 5 g onion powder
• 5 g garlic powder
• 5 g dried oregano
• 2.5 g salt
• 200 g breadcrumbs

Nashville Hot Sauce

• 2.5 g smoked paprika
• 5 g minced garlic or garlic powder
• 5 g salt
• 5 g ground black pepper
• 13 g brown sugar
• 8 g ground cayenne pepper
• 7 g honey (optional)
• 115 g unsalted butter, melted

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

• 4 g chopped chives, dried or fresh
• 120 ml buttermilk
• 5 ml lemon juice
• 2.5 g garlic powder
• 2.5 g sugar
• 2 g dried or fresh parsley
• 2.5 g ground black pepper
• 120 g sour cream
• 5 g salt
• 2.5 g onion powder
• 120 g mayonnaise

Pro Tips for Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Pro Tip 1: To achieve a perfectly crispy coating on your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, double coat each stick in seasoned breadcrumbs before frying. This will create a thicker and crunchier outer layer that holds up well during frying.

Pro Tip 2: For the best texture and gooey melted centers, bread and freeze the mozzarella sticks in advance. Frying them straight from frozen will help maintain their shape and prevent the cheese from oozing out too quickly.

Pro Tip 3: If you prefer a milder version of this recipe, you can use Monterey Jack or part-skim mozzarella. Additionally, feel free to omit the honey in the hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick. Gluten-free breadcrumbs and plant-based cheese can also be used with minimal changes in flavor or texture.

How to Make Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Nashville Hot Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, mix melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, minced garlic or garlic powder, salt, pepper, and honey if desired. Whisk until smooth and butter is melted. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 2: Mix Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

Combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar in a mixing bowl until well mixed. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Combine Seasoned Breading

Combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.

Step 4: Bread the Mozzarella

Combine egg and water to make an egg wash. Dip each mozzarella stick in the egg wash, then coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat for a double breading.

Step 5: Freeze Prepared Sticks

Place breaded mozzarella sticks on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for a minimum of 30 minutes until solid.

Step 6: Fry Mozzarella Sticks

Heat 5 cm of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 175°C. Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until deeply golden. Drain on a wire rack.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Brush warm Nashville Hot Sauce onto fried mozzarella sticks and serve with chilled buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping.

Storage Tips

After making the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, ensure any leftovers are cooled completely before storing. To maintain their crispiness, store the mozzarella sticks in a single layer in a container with parchment paper to prevent sogginess. Place the container in the fridge and consume within three days for optimal freshness. When ready to enjoy again, reheat the mozzarella sticks in the oven or air fryer to restore the crisp coating, giving you a delicious snack with a satisfying crunch.

For those looking to cater to different preferences, you can adjust the heat level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper in the Nashville sauce. Additionally, if you prefer a milder version, consider using Monterey Jack or part-skim mozzarella. The honey in the hot sauce is optional but adds a lovely balance to the heat. Furthermore, you can opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs and plant-based cheese with minimal impact on flavor or texture. These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a versatile and crowd-pleasing snack that can be paired with a variety of sides, making them perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a milder version of these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, consider using Monterey Jack or part-skim mozzarella instead of regular mozzarella. These cheeses will still provide the gooey texture but with a less pronounced flavor. Additionally, if you prefer a plant-based option, you can try your favorite plant-based cheese as a substitute. While there may be slight differences in flavor and texture, they can still result in delicious mozzarella sticks.

For those looking to make a gluten-free version of this recipe, using gluten-free breadcrumbs is a great substitution. These breadcrumbs will still provide the necessary crunch without gluten. When it comes to the hot sauce, you have the option to omit the honey if you prefer a less sweet taste. This adjustment can help tailor the heat level and flavor profile to your liking. Remember, even with these substitutions, the essence of Nashville hot flavor can still shine through in these irresistible mozzarella sticks.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try arranging the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces in small ramekins. Include the homemade buttermilk ranch, extra Nashville hot sauce for the spice enthusiasts, and a sweet and tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. This interactive and customizable setup allows guests to mix and match flavors to their liking, making it a fun and engaging appetizer for any gathering.

Another serving idea is to create a “Hot and Cool” platter by pairing the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt dip. This cooling dip, made with Greek yogurt, shredded cucumber, garlic, and dill, provides a contrast to the spicy kick of the mozzarella sticks. The combination of hot, crunchy cheese sticks with the cool, creamy dip offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will keep your guests coming back for more.

FAQs for Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Can I adjust the spiciness of the Nashville hot sauce?

Yes, the heat level of the Nashville sauce depends on the amount of cayenne used. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your preferred spice level.

Can I prepare the mozzarella sticks in advance?

Yes, you can bread and freeze the mozzarella sticks ahead of time. For the best texture and melted centers, fry the sticks straight from frozen when you’re ready to cook them.

Is it necessary to make homemade buttermilk ranch for dipping?

No, while homemade buttermilk ranch offers fresh and tangy flavor, you can use store-bought ranch dressing as a convenient substitute for dipping the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks.

Can I bake the mozzarella sticks instead of frying them?

Yes, baking is an option, but frying will yield a crispier exterior. If you prefer to bake them, use high heat and closely monitor the sticks to prevent cheese leaks during the cooking process.

Conclusion

I hope you give these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks a try and watch them become a new favorite at your gatherings. The combination of gooey cheese, spicy-sweet heat, and creamy ranch dip is sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses or tweak the spice level to suit your taste buds. These addictive snacks are perfect for game nights, parties, or even just a fun night in.

So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and let the Nashville heat elevate your mozzarella sticks to a whole new level. Your guests will be impressed with this unique twist on a classic appetizer. Enjoy making and savoring these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks – they are bound to be a crowd-pleaser every time!