The aroma of crispy, spicy mozzarella sticks wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds like a mischievous little gremlin. Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Chili’s Copycat) are not just snacks; they’re an experience bursting with flavor, crunch, and a touch of Southern charm. protein-packed snacks roasted cherry tomatoes Imagine biting into a gooey cheese center wrapped in a golden crust while feeling that delightful heat creeping up on you.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of cheese works best for crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks?
- Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying?
- How do I make the heat level adjustable?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Once you take that first bite, it’s like a cheesy explosion of joy! It’s the perfect accompaniment for game nights, cozy movie marathons, or even a cheeky midnight snack when nobody’s watching. We’ve all had those moments where we crave something indulgent and fun, and these mozzarella sticks hit all the right notes! For more inspiration, check out this Pineapple Coconut Smoothie recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The crispy texture provides an addictive crunch paired with that ooey-gooey cheese goodness
- Simple to whip up at home, impressing friends is a breeze
- The flavor packs a serious punch with spicy seasoning that elevates this classic snack
- Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying alone during binge-watching sessions
There was this one time I made Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks for my friends’ game night. Let’s just say there were no leftovers, and I may have been dubbed the “Cheese Queen” for the evening.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Go for high-quality mozzarella; it melts beautifully and adds that perfect stretchy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base for your coating, helping the egg wash stick.
- Eggs: Use large eggs; they help bind everything together perfectly.
- Bread Crumbs: Choose seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor; panko gives a delightful crunch.
- Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning: This spice blend brings the heat! If you can’t find it pre-made, make your own mix. bbq chicken bowls.
- Canola Oil: Ideal for frying due to its high smoke point; you want those sticks crispy without burning.
- Chili Sauce: This adds a zesty kick to serve as a dipping sauce; store-bought is fine!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Station: Gather all ingredients and set up three bowls: flour in one, whisked eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Nashville hot seasoning in the last.
Slice the Cheese: Cut mozzarella into sticks about 1/2 inch thick. Ensure they are even so they cook uniformly.
Dredge Those Sticks!: First coat each mozzarella stick in flour to absorb moisture. Next dip them into egg wash before finally rolling them in spiced breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Chill Out Time!: Place your breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill them in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
Heat That Oil!: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about two inches of canola oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, around 350°F (175°C) is ideal for frying.
Fry Until Golden!: Carefully add mozzarella sticks to the hot oil in batches. Fry them until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side will do!
Now you’ve got yourself some Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Chili’s Copycat) that will have everyone begging for more! Enjoy your cheesy adventure! tuna salad wraps.
You Must Know
- These crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are not just a snack; they’re a culinary adventure
- The perfect blend of spicy and cheesy makes them irresistible
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly crispy mozzarella sticks, first freeze them for about 30 minutes. Then, bread and fry them in batches to maintain oil temperature.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular breadcrumbs for panko for extra crunch. You can also add different spices to the breading mix for unique flavors.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat them in an oven at 350°F until heated through for the best texture. For more inspiration, check out this Oven Baked Barbecue Ribs recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your cheese is well-chilled before frying to prevent it from melting too quickly
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature, which is crucial for crispiness
- Don’t skip the double-breading technique; it adds an additional layer of crunchiness that’s simply divine!
Sharing these crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks with friends during game night turned into an unforgettable experience when they devoured them all within minutes, leaving me only crumbs!
FAQ
What type of cheese works best for crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks?
Mozzarella is ideal, but provolone also adds a delightful twist to the recipe.
Can I bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying?
Yes, baking is possible. Just brush with oil and bake at 400°F until golden brown.
How do I make the heat level adjustable?
Adjust cayenne pepper amounts or use milder chili powder for less heat in the recipe.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Chili’s Copycat)
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, a perfect blend of spicy and cheesy goodness. These golden, crunchy sticks are filled with gooey mozzarella and packed with flavor, making them the ultimate snack for game nights or cozy movie marathons. Quick to prepare and utterly irresistible, serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable culinary treat!
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into ½ inch sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 2 tsp Nashville hot chicken seasoning
- Oil for frying (canola recommended)
- Chili sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by setting up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Nashville hot seasoning.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally roll in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.
- In a deep skillet, heat approximately two inches of canola oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy—about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 mozzarella sticks (120g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
