Spicy Cheese Fried Bites (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
1 block (1 lb) of whole milk mozzarella, cut into chunky strips
02 -
1 cup of plain flour
03 -
3 eggs, beaten well
04 -
1 cup plain breadcrumbs
05 -
1 cup panko-style breadcrumbs
06 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
07 -
½ tsp garlic powder
08 -
1 tsp cayenne powder
09 -
½ tsp onion powder
10 -
Salt and pepper, as needed
11 -
Frying oil (like avocado oil)
→ Nashville Hot Glaze
12 -
½ cup butter, melted down
13 -
2 tbsp ground cayenne, more or less to spice preference
14 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
15 -
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
16 -
½ tsp garlic seasoning
17 -
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
18 -
2-3 tbsp hot sauce, pick your favorite
19 -
Salt for taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Take your mozzarella block and chop it into thick, stick-like shapes (about 3 inches long and ½ inch fat).
02 -
Get 3 bowls ready: one with 1 cup of flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last one filled with the mixed breadcrumbs, seasonings (paprika, cayenne, powders, salt, and pepper).
03 -
Dip each cheese stick into the flour, then coat in egg, and finally cover with seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat with egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker layer, then place on a tray.
04 -
Leave the coated cheese sticks in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
05 -
In a pot of hot avocado oil (375°F or 190°C), fry your cheese sticks for a minute or two until they're perfectly golden. Let them drip on a rack.
06 -
In a little pan, melt the butter. Stir in cayenne, paprika, sugar, garlic powder, optional chili powder, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth.
07 -
Submerge each fried cheese stick in the spicy glaze. Serve right away with some ranch or blue cheese for dipping!
# Notes:
01 -
Chilling ensures the crunchy coating stays in place and the cheese doesn’t ooze out during frying.
02 -
Double-dipping the breadcrumbs makes for an extra thick and crispy bite.
03 -
Using block mozzarella helps to achieve perfectly shaped sticks with a creamy texture.
04 -
Add more or less cayenne and hot sauce to match your spice level.
05 -
Eat these hot and fresh for the ultimate gooey cheese pull and crispy crunch.