Description
These Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks deliver a crispy, spicy twist on a classic appetizer. Mozzarella sticks are breaded and fried to golden perfection, then brushed with a flavorful cayenne-spiked hot oil, perfectly paired with cool ranch dressing. This indulgent snack packs heat and cheesy goodness in every bite, ideal for game day or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Sticks
- 1 lb. part-skim mozzarella
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil, for frying (enough to fill skillet 2″ deep)
Spicy Oil
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- About 1/2 cup reserved hot frying oil
For Serving
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella block into 6 rectangles, each approximately 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Set up Breading Stations: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the hot sauce until well combined. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
- Bread the Cheese: Working one stick at a time, dredge the mozzarella pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg and hot sauce mixture, allowing extra to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze to Firm Up: Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to ensure firmness and prevent melting during frying.
- Heat the Oil and Fry: In a heavy, deep skillet or pan fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, pour in canola oil to a depth of 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches, turning halfway, until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the fried sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the hot oil for the spicy sauce.
- Make the Spicy Oil: In a heatproof bowl, mix together cayenne pepper, light brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Carefully ladle about 1/2 cup of the reserved hot frying oil into the spice mix, stirring well to combine and dissolve the sugar and spices, creating a vibrant Nashville-style hot oil.
- Brush and Serve: Place the fried mozzarella sticks on a wire rack and generously brush the spicy hot oil over both sides of each stick. Serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping, enjoying the perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F while frying for crispy, golden sticks without excess oil absorption.
- The reserved frying oil is used to make the spicy oil for brushing; handle hot oil carefully to avoid burns.
- You can adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper in the spicy oil.
- Part-skim mozzarella helps reduce excessive oiliness while maintaining good melt and stretchiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, spicy mozzarella sticks, chili's copycat recipe, fried cheese sticks, spicy appetizers
