Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

**For the Nashville Hot Coating:**

* ½ cup hot frying oil (taken from the fryer)
* 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* ½ teaspoon onion powder
* ½ tablespoon brown sugar
* Pinch of salt

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### 👩‍🍳 **Instructions**

**Step 1: Freeze the Cheese**
Place halved mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. This prevents them from melting too quickly when frying.

**Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station**

* Bowl 1: Flour mixed with salt and pepper
* Bowl 2: Beaten eggs and milk
* Bowl 3: Seasoned breadcrumbs

**Step 3: Bread the Cheese Sticks**
Dip each frozen stick into flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps again for a double coating.

**Step 4: Fry Until Golden**
Heat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry mozzarella sticks in small batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

**Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Oil**
Carefully take about ½ cup of the hot oil used for frying and mix it with cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and salt in a heatproof bowl. Stir well.

**Step 6: Toss & Serve**
Brush or drizzle the spicy oil over the fried mozzarella sticks—or toss them gently for full coating. Serve hot!

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### 🌶️ **Serving Suggestions**

* Serve with **cooling ranch or blue cheese dip**
* Add pickles on the side to balance the heat
* Pair with celery sticks for a hot-wing-style experience
* Perfect with cold beer or sweet iced tea

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### 💡 **Tips & Variations**

* **Too spicy?** Dial back the cayenne or skip the hot oil coating for a milder version
* **Extra bold?** Add hot sauce to the egg wash or toss in red pepper flakes
* **Air fryer option:** Bread and freeze the sticks, then air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes
* **Cheese swap:** Try pepper jack or cheddar for a twist on flavor and heat

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### 🧨 **Final Bite**

These **Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks** are the perfect mash-up of Southern heat and cheesy comfort. They’re crunchy, spicy, gooey, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Whether you’re feeding a party crowd or just indulging your inner heat-seeker, this recipe brings the fire in the most delicious way possible.

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**Warning:** You may never go back to plain mozzarella sticks again.

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**Tried the recipe?** Tag your fiery creations with **#NashvilleHotSticks** and show off your spice skills!

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