Spicy Restaurant-Style Appetizer (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
1 lb block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick sticks
02 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
03 -
3 large eggs, whisked
04 -
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 -
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
06 -
1 tsp cayenne pepper
07 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
08 -
½ tsp garlic powder
09 -
½ tsp onion powder
10 -
Salt and pepper to taste
11 -
Avocado oil for frying
→ Nashville Hot Glaze
12 -
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
13 -
2 tbsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
14 -
2 tbsp brown sugar
15 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
16 -
½ tsp garlic powder
17 -
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
18 -
2-3 tbsp hot sauce
19 -
Salt to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Slice 1 lb block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick).
02 -
Prepare 3 bowls: one with 1 cup flour, one with 3 whisked eggs, and one with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper.
03 -
Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, and then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating. Place breaded sticks on a tray.
04 -
Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes.
05 -
Heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F. Fry mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack.
06 -
In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter. Add 2 tbsp cayenne, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp chili powder (optional), 2-3 tbsp hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
07 -
Dip fried mozzarella sticks into the hot glaze. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
# Notes:
01 -
Freeze after breading to ensure the coating stays intact and the cheese doesn't melt too quickly while frying
02 -
A second coating of egg and breadcrumbs creates an extra crispy crust
03 -
Block mozzarella provides the creamy texture and shape needed for uniform sticks
04 -
Adjust cayenne and hot sauce in the glaze for your desired heat level
05 -
These sticks are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is gooey and the crust is crunchy