If you love the fiery kick of Nashville hot chicken and the gooey comfort of mozzarella sticks, this Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks recipe is your new obsession. These aren’t your ordinary cheese sticks—they’re dipped, breaded, fried to golden perfection, and then coated in a buttery, spicy glaze inspired by Nashville’s signature heat. The result? A crunchy exterior that gives way to molten cheese heaven with every bite. I once made these using a bit of extra cayenne and swapped in almond milk for regular milk—it still came out incredibly crisp and flavorful. Serve them as a party snack, game-day appetizer, or even a bold side dish—they’ll disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe delivers the best of both worlds: the crunch and melt of mozzarella sticks combined with the bold, fiery flavor of Nashville hot sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for anyone who loves spicy comfort food. Easy to prepare, perfectly crisp, and irresistibly cheesy, these mozzarella sticks bring that Southern flair straight to your kitchen.
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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks – Crispy, Spicy, and Utterly Addictive
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 sticks
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy, cheesy mozzarella sticks with a fiery Nashville-style kick! These spicy appetizers feature crunchy, golden breading infused with cayenne, paprika, and hot sauce for that signature Southern heat, paired with a cool ranch or creamy dip for balance.
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
Instructions
- Freeze mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour to prevent melting while frying.
- In one bowl, add flour. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and hot sauce. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Dip each mozzarella stick into flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
- Return coated sticks to the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, chili powder, and a few dashes of hot sauce to create Nashville-style spicy glaze.
- Brush or toss fried mozzarella sticks in the hot glaze for that signature kick.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne and hot sauce levels to control spiciness.
- Double-coating ensures extra crispy texture and prevents cheese leakage.
- Air fryer option: Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Best served fresh for maximum crunch and heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour freezing time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep-Fried
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
You can use string cheese or cut a block of mozzarella into even-sized sticks. They’re the star of the show, delivering that iconic cheese pull when hot.
Flour
Helps the egg mixture stick to the cheese and creates the first base for the crunchy coating.
Eggs and Milk
These bind the flour and breadcrumbs together, forming a sturdy outer layer. You can substitute with almond milk for a dairy-light version.
Breadcrumbs (Panko or Italian)
Panko breadcrumbs create a super-crispy texture, while Italian-style breadcrumbs add extra flavor. Use a mix for the best of both worlds.
Cayenne Pepper and Paprika
These spices bring the Nashville heat—adjust the amount to suit your spice level. Smoked paprika adds depth and color.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder
Enhance the flavor of the breading and balance the spiciness.
Hot Sauce
A few dashes mixed into the wet ingredients help carry the spice through each layer of the coating.
Butter
Melted butter is the base for the Nashville glaze, adding a rich, smooth texture that coats each mozzarella stick perfectly.
Brown Sugar
Adds a touch of sweetness to the hot glaze, balancing the fiery cayenne kick.
Oil for Frying
Use vegetable or canola oil for an even, golden fry. Make sure it’s hot enough before frying to keep the sticks crispy.
Directions
- Prepare the cheese sticks. Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and place them in the freezer for 30–45 minutes to firm up. This helps prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Set up your coating stations. In three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs (mixed with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder).
- Coat the cheese. Dip each mozzarella stick into flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating one more time.
- Freeze again. Place coated sticks on a tray and freeze for 15–20 minutes before frying.
- Heat the oil. In a deep skillet or fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Nashville hot glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in cayenne, paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and a splash of hot sauce. Simmer for 1 minute.
- Toss and serve. Brush or toss the hot mozzarella sticks in the Nashville glaze until evenly coated. Serve immediately for that crispy, spicy perfection.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 mozzarella sticks, serving 4 to 6 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose their crunch. You can also freeze uncooked breaded sticks and fry them straight from frozen when you need a quick snack.
Variations and Customizations
Extra Hot Version: Increase the cayenne and add crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a fiery finish.
Mild Heat: Reduce the cayenne and add more brown sugar for a sweeter, gentler flavor.
Smoky BBQ Twist: Mix a tablespoon of BBQ sauce into the glaze for a smoky-sweet variation.
Honey Heat: Add a drizzle of honey to the glaze for that irresistible sweet-and-spicy combo.
Ranch Dip Pairing: Serve with cool ranch dressing or garlic aioli to balance the heat.
Baked Option: Instead of frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Cheese Blend: Try using half mozzarella and half pepper jack for an extra spicy, melty interior.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that’s just as crispy.
Air Fryer Friendly: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes for a lighter but still crunchy version.
Southern Flair: Serve with pickles and coleslaw to capture that Nashville-style plate experience.
FAQs
How do I keep mozzarella sticks from exploding?
Freezing before frying is key—it prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, just bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until crispy and golden.
What’s in Nashville hot seasoning?
It’s typically a mix of cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar for that spicy-sweet balance.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! Freeze the breaded sticks before frying and cook them whenever you’re ready.
What oil works best for frying?
Use neutral oils like canola or vegetable oil—they hold high heat well.
Are these super spicy?
They’re moderately spicy, but you can easily adjust the cayenne and hot sauce to your liking.
Can I use cheese other than mozzarella?
Yes! Try provolone or Monterey Jack for a different twist on flavor.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Simmer the butter mixture longer to reduce it slightly before brushing it on.
What should I serve with them?
Ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or even a side of cool coleslaw work perfectly.
Can I reheat in the microwave?
It’s not recommended—the coating will become soggy. Use an oven or air fryer instead.
Conclusion
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect fusion of crispy, cheesy, and spicy. They take the classic appetizer to a whole new level with bold Southern heat and rich, buttery flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a fiery snack, these will satisfy every spicy food lover at the table. Once you try them, you’ll never look at ordinary mozzarella sticks the same way again.
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