If you love gooey, cheesy mozzarella sticks but wish they had a little more kick, you’re in for a treat. These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks take everything you love about the classic appetizer and turn up the heat with a bold, spicy, and crispy coating. They’re crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside, and dunked in a fiery Nashville-style hot seasoning that makes them completely irresistible. Perfect for game days, parties, or just when you’re craving something spicy and cheesy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and crunchy – That perfectly golden-brown crust is next-level.
- Super cheesy – Stretchy, melty mozzarella in every bite.
- Spicy & bold – Inspired by Nashville hot chicken for a fiery twist.
- Great for sharing – The ultimate appetizer for spice lovers.
Ingredients
(Full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below.)
- Mozzarella cheese sticks – Use full-fat for the best melt.
- Flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs – The key to a crispy, golden crust.
- Nashville hot seasoning – A mix of cayenne, paprika, garlic, and brown sugar.
- Buttermilk – Helps the coating stick and adds flavor.
- Hot sauce – Brings the heat to the coating.
- Oil for frying – A neutral oil like vegetable or peanut oil works best.
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Mozzarella Sticks
Cut each mozzarella stick in half and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 1-2 hours—this helps keep them from melting too fast when frying.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In one bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and a splash of hot sauce. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and Nashville hot seasoning for a flavorful crunch.
Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
Dredge each frozen mozzarella stick in the flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and roll it in the seasoned panko. Repeat for an extra-crispy coating. Place them back in the freezer for another 15-20 minutes before frying.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 30-45 seconds, just until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 5: Toss in Nashville Hot Butter
Melt butter in a small saucepan, then whisk in cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and a little extra hot sauce. Toss the hot mozzarella sticks in this spicy butter for the full Nashville hot effect.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Freeze before frying – This prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
- Double coat for extra crispiness – The second round of breading makes a big difference.
- Adjust the heat level – Add more or less cayenne based on your spice tolerance.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer – Fry in small batches for even cooking.
Recipe Variations & Possible Substitutions
- Milder version – Skip the spicy butter coating and use regular breadcrumbs.
- Extra cheesy – Try stuffing a little pepper jack inside for a spicy cheese blend.
- Baked option – Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air fryer method – Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Dipping sauces – Ranch, blue cheese, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic aioli.
- Side pairings – Serve with fries, celery sticks, or a fresh slaw for balance.
- Drink pairings – These go great with an ice-cold beer, lemonade, or a frozen margarita.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
- Avoid microwaving – It makes them soggy. Air frying is the best option for reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks, then fry them fresh when ready to serve.
2. How spicy are these?
They have a good kick, but you can adjust the spice level by reducing the cayenne in the Nashville hot seasoning.
3. Can I use string cheese?
Absolutely! String cheese works great for uniform-sized mozzarella sticks.
4. What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil all work well since they have a high smoke point.
In Conclusion
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate spicy appetizer, combining crunchy, melty, and fiery flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just a fun snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them out and let me know—what’s your go-to dip for mozzarella sticks?
Print
Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks – A Fiery Twist on a Classic
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Description
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks take the classic gooey, cheesy appetizer and give it a bold, spicy kick! Coated in crunchy seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to perfection, these mozzarella sticks are then brushed with fiery Nashville hot butter sauce for an irresistible heat and crunch combo. Perfect for game nights, parties, or when you’re craving something spicy and cheesy, these mozzarella sticks are a must-try for heat lovers!
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Nashville Hot Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Pickles (optional, for a Nashville-style touch)
Instructions
Step 1: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
- Cut each mozzarella stick in half and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- In a shallow bowl, add flour.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
- Dip each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then egg mixture, and finally breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat well.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for an extra crispy layer.
- Place breaded sticks back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 3-4 mozzarella sticks at a time, cooking for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce.
Step 6: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
- Brush or drizzle the Nashville hot sauce over the fried mozzarella sticks.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and pickles on the side.
Notes
- Control the spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder or hotter.
- Make it ahead: Bread and freeze mozzarella sticks in advance, then fry fresh when ready.
- Baking option: Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air fryer option: Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg