Description
Spicy, crispy mozzarella sticks coated in a cayenne-based hot seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch thick sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Spice Coating:
- 1/4 cup cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
Instructions
- Cut the mozzarella cheese into sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 2 hours until very firm.
- Set up a standard breading station: one shallow dish with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
- Working quickly, dredge each frozen cheese stick first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place the breaded sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine all spice coating ingredients: cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried mustard. Mix well.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese is melted inside. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While still hot, immediately toss the fried sticks in the prepared Nashville hot spice coating until evenly covered.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra crispy coating, double bread the sticks by repeating the flour, egg, and panko steps before the final freeze.
- If you prefer not to fry, you can bake these at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss with the spice mixture.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 sticks
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, nashville hot, spicy cheese, fried appetizer, cayenne