Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs; 2 tbsp milk; 2 tsp salt, divided; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 2 tbsp Nashville hot seasoning (store-bought or homemade*); 1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp chili powder; Cooking oil (for frying); Homemade Nashville hot seasoning combines cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder.

Ingredients

Scale

12 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut in half
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
2 tsp salt, divided
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp Nashville hot seasoning (store-bought or homemade*)
1 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp chili powder
Cooking oil (for frying)
Homemade Nashville hot seasoning combines cayenne pepper, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder.

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Start by unwrapping the mozzarella sticks and cutting each one in half to create 24 smaller sticks. Freeze the pieces for at least 30 minutes; this step ensures the cheese doesn’t melt during frying.
Set Up the Breading Stations: In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading stations. Place flour mixed with 1 tsp salt and black pepper in the first bowl. In the second, whisk together the eggs, milk, and remaining salt. In the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp Nashville hot seasoning.
Bread the Cheese Sticks: Coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the spiced breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to double-coat each stick. Place the breaded sticks on a tray and freeze for another 15–20 minutes.
Heat the Oil: Fill a heavy-bottomed pot with about 2 inches of cooking oil and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the breaded sticks in small batches for 1–2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Season with Hot Coating: Mix the remaining Nashville hot seasoning with cayenne pepper and brown sugar. Sprinkle this mixture over the fried mozzarella sticks while they’re hot for maximum flavor.
Serve Immediately: Serve the mozzarella sticks warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or a tangy hot sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
Calories: 280
Sugar: 1g
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g