Crispy Spicy Nashville Chicken Sticks

Welcome to a flavor-packed journey with our Crispy Spicy Nashville Sticks recipe! These aren’t your average mozzarella sticks; they are a delightful twist on a classic appetizer. Picture this: gooey mozzarella cheese encased in a double coating of panko and plain breadcrumbs, seasoned with cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder, then fried to a golden crisp. But we don’t stop there – a luscious Nashville-style hot glaze made with butter, brown sugar, and hot sauce takes these sticks to a whole new level of deliciousness.

If you’re a fan of cheesy, spicy, and crunchy snacks, these Nashville Sticks are sure to steal the show at any gathering. The combination of molten cheese, crispy coating, and fiery glaze creates a harmony of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just looking to add a little kick to your appetizer game, these sticks are guaranteed to be a hit. So, get ready to indulge in a snack that offers the perfect balance of heat, richness, and crunch – your new favorite party treat awaits!

Quick Benefits

• Elevates classic mozzarella sticks with a bold Nashville hot twist that adds an irresistible heat and richness to the snack.
• Double coating technique ensures a crispy exterior and gooey cheese center without the risk of bursting open during frying.
• Offers a high protein content compared to traditional mozzarella sticks, making them surprisingly satisfying.
• Freezing option allows for easy prep ahead of time, ideal for parties and gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Spicy Nashville Chicken Sticks Recipe

• The perfect blend of gooey cheese and bold, spicy seasoning creates a unique and irresistible twist on classic mozzarella sticks.
• The double coating technique ensures a crispy exterior without the cheese bursting during frying, resulting in a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• These mozzarella sticks are a hit at parties, game day events, or any gathering – they’ll disappear fast and have your guests asking for more.
• The use of whole milk mozzarella block allows for thicker sticks and maximum cheese pull, elevating the indulgence factor.
• The combination of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a Nashville-style hot glaze adds a flavorful kick that balances heat, richness, and texture perfectly.
• With nearly twice the protein of standard mozzarella sticks, this recipe is surprisingly satisfying and can stand up to serious heat levels.
• The option to adjust the spice level by varying cayenne pepper and hot sauce quantities makes this recipe versatile for different taste preferences.
• Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks in advance allows for easy preparation and quick frying when needed, making them a convenient appetizer option.
• The fusion of Italian comfort food with bold Southern flavors makes these Nashville hot mozzarella sticks a truly addictive and memorable appetizer that everyone will love.
• Serving the mozzarella sticks immediately after glazing ensures optimal crispiness and flavor, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients for Crispy Spicy Nashville Chicken Sticks

Mozzarella Sticks

• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 3 large eggs, whisked
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Avocado oil for frying
• 1 lb block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick sticks
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

Nashville Hot Glaze

• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 tbsp hot sauce
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Pro Tips for Crispy Spicy Nashville Chicken Sticks

For the crispiest Nashville mozzarella sticks, make sure to double coat the sticks with a combination of panko and plain breadcrumbs before frying. Freezing them for at least 15-20 minutes helps create a firm barrier to keep the cheese contained during frying, ensuring a gooey center and crunchy exterior.

Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the glaze to match your preferred spice level. To tame the heat, reduce or omit cayenne, or add more for an extra kick. Balancing the spice with cooling dips like honey yogurt sauce or avocado crema can provide an interesting contrast to the bold flavors of the mozzarella sticks.

Maintain the oil temperature between 365°F and 385°F for perfect frying results. Too cool, and the sticks may absorb excess oil, while too hot can cause them to burn before the cheese melts. Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately after dipping in the hot glaze for the best texture and flavor, and consider pairing them with ranch or blue cheese dressing as a delicious cooling dip.

How to Make Crispy Spicy Nashville Chicken Sticks

Step 1: Step 01

Cut the mozzarella cheese block into thick rectangular sticks that are approximately 3 inches long and ½ inch thick.

Step 2: Step 02

Set up three bowls: one containing flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with a blend of panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Step 03

Dredge mozzarella sticks in flour, dip in egg, coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb coating, then arrange on a tray.

Step 4: Step 04

Chill the breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes to firm up the coating.

Step 5: Step 05

In a deep pan, heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry mozzarella sticks until golden and crispy, for 1-2 minutes. Drain on a wire rack.

Step 6: Step 06

Melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (optional), hot sauce, and salt until smooth.

Step 7: Step 07

Coat the fried mozzarella sticks evenly by dipping them into the hot glaze. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing immediately.

Storage Tips

To store the finished Crispy Spicy Nashville Sticks, it is recommended to consume them immediately for the best flavor and texture. However, if you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheating in an oven or air fryer can help restore some of the crispiness, but note that they may not be as fresh as when first prepared.

If you want to prepare the Crispy Spicy Nashville Sticks ahead of time or for future use, you can freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for storage. When you’re ready to enjoy them, fry the frozen sticks directly, adding a bit of extra cooking time. This method allows you to have a convenient appetizer on hand whenever needed, maintaining the delicious flavors and textures of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For potential ingredient substitutions in the Nashville hot mozzarella sticks recipe, you can consider using part-skim mozzarella cheese instead of whole milk mozzarella if you prefer a lighter option. Additionally, if you are looking to make the dish vegetarian or vegan, you can try using plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well for a similar gooey texture.

If you want to make the recipe gluten-free, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the coating. This adjustment allows those with dietary restrictions to enjoy the crispy and spicy mozzarella sticks without compromising on texture or flavor.

When it comes to the hot glaze, you can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of hot sauce to achieve a unique flavor profile or substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar for a different sweetness level.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate the presentation and flavor profile of these Crispy Spicy Nashville Sticks, consider serving them in a unique way. Arrange the golden-fried sticks on a rustic wooden board lined with parchment paper and garnish with fresh sprigs of cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside small ramekins of tangy sriracha aioli and cool cucumber yogurt dip for a contrast of spicy and creamy flavors that will take these mozzarella sticks to the next level.

For a fun and interactive serving suggestion, create a DIY Nashville Stick bar at your next gathering. Set up a station with a variety of dipping sauces such as classic marinara, zesty chipotle mayo, and sweet honey mustard. Display the crispy mozzarella sticks in tall glasses or mason jars filled with rock salt or colored beans for stability. Let your guests mix and match different sauces to customize their dipping experience, making it a memorable and delicious appetizer option for any occasion.

FAQs for Crispy Spicy Nashville Chicken Sticks

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the Nashville mozzarella sticks?

Yes, you can adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to match your preferred spice level. Reduce or omit cayenne for less heat or add more for an extra kick.

Why is avocado oil recommended for frying the mozzarella sticks?

Avocado oil is preferred because of its high smoke point, but you can also use vegetable or canola oil as alternatives.

How far in advance can I prepare the mozzarella sticks before frying?

You can bread and freeze the mozzarella sticks ahead of time. Keep them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month and fry when ready to serve.

What is the importance of double coating the mozzarella sticks with breadcrumbs?

Ensuring the mozzarella sticks are double coated with breadcrumbs and frozen for at least 15-20 minutes before frying creates a firm barrier to keep the cheese contained during frying and enhances the crunch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Crispy Spicy Nashville Sticks are a game-changer in the world of appetizers, offering a tantalizing blend of gooey cheese, bold spices, and a crispy coating that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or just looking to wow your guests with a unique twist on classic mozzarella sticks, this recipe is sure to hit all the right notes.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps to achieve that perfect double-coated crunch, and get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering snack that will have everyone coming back for more. These Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are not just any ordinary appetizer; they are a culinary experience that marries comfort food with fiery flavors in the most delightful way. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these Crispy Spicy Nashville Sticks at your next gathering!