Nashville hot mozzarella sticks
Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are a fun twist on the classic cheesy snack you know and love. Crispy on the outside with a spicy, flavorful kick inspired by Nashville hot…
Tip: save now, cook later.Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are a fun twist on the classic cheesy snack you know and love. Crispy on the outside with a spicy, flavorful kick inspired by Nashville hot chicken seasoning, and gooey, melty mozzarella on the inside—these sticks bring a surprising mix of heat and cheese that’s hard to resist.
I love making these when I want something a little different for game day or movie night. The heat is just right—not so spicy that it overpowers but enough to make every bite exciting. Plus, dipping them in ranch or blue cheese dressing cools things down perfectly, which is my favorite way to enjoy them.
These sticks are also a great party starter because they’re easy to eat with your hands and always invite a second round. Whenever I make them, people start asking for the recipe right away. For a quick snack with a bit of a punch, Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are a total winner in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella cheese sticks: Use good-quality mozzarella sticks or fresh mozzarella cut into sticks. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully but may need extra freezing time. For a dairy-free option, try vegan mozzarella sticks.
Panko breadcrumbs: Panko gives these sticks a great crispy crunch. You can swap with regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be as light and airy.
Cayenne pepper & spices: The cayenne and smoked paprika bring the heat and smoky flavor of Nashville hot chicken. Adjust cayenne to your heat preference or use chili powder if you want milder spice.
Butter: Butter carries the spice in the sauce and adds richness. For a dairy-free option, try a plant-based butter.
How Do You Make Sure the Mozzarella Sticks Stay Covered and Don’t Leak During Frying?
The key is the double coating and freezing step. First, coat each stick in flour, then egg, then the seasoned panko. Repeat the egg and crumb coating to build a thick crust.
- Freeze the coated sticks at least 1 hour before frying to prevent cheese from melting too quickly and leaking.
- Keep your oil at the right temperature (around 350°F). Too hot means burning outside before melting inside; too cool means greasy sticks.
- Fry in small batches without overcrowding to keep oil temperature consistent.
Following these tips keeps your sticks crispy on the outside and perfectly melty inside, with no leaks. It’s a small extra step but worth it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer – perfect for evenly frying the mozzarella sticks without splashing.
- Three shallow bowls – for flour, egg wash, and seasoned panko to keep your coating steps organized.
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer – makes removing sticks from hot oil safe and easy.
- Cooling rack or paper towels – to drain excess oil and keep sticks crispy after frying.
- Small saucepan – to melt butter and mix Nashville hot sauce spices smoothly.
- Parchment-lined tray – handy for freezing coated sticks without them sticking together.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to add a little extra spicy kick inside.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the panko mixture for a fresh touch.
- Mix in smoked paprika and cayenne directly into the ranch or blue cheese dip for more layered heat.
- Try adding crushed cornflakes to the breadcrumb mix for an even crunchier coating.
How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for butter sauce)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for butter sauce)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for dipping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and coat the mozzarella sticks, plus at least 1 hour freezing time to make sure the cheese doesn’t leak when fried. Cooking takes about 5-10 minutes. Overall, plan for roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Mozzarella Sticks:
Unwrap the mozzarella sticks and pat them dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture—this helps keep the cheese from melting out too quickly when you fry.
2. Prepare the Dredging Station:
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and water, and the last with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix the spices well into the breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
First, dip each stick into the flour, shaking off excess. Next, coat with the egg mixture. Then roll it well in the spicy panko mixture. For a crispier crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps once more. Place them on a parchment-lined tray.
4. Freeze the Sticks:
Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour. This freezing step is key to keeping the cheese inside while frying.
5. Make the Nashville Hot Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in cayenne pepper and smoked paprika until combined, then remove from heat.
6. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or fryer. Fry the frozen sticks carefully in batches for 1-2 minutes until crispy and golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Toss in Hot Butter Sauce and Serve:
While still hot, toss the fried sticks in the prepared Nashville hot butter sauce. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
Frozen mozzarella sticks can work, but it’s best to thaw them completely and pat dry before coating to prevent excess moisture. Follow the coating and freezing steps again to ensure they crisp up well.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, but frying gives the crispiest texture and best flavor for this recipe.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to keep them crispy instead of microwaving.
What’s the Best Dip to Serve With Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks?
Ranch or blue cheese dressing works perfectly to balance the spicy heat and add a cool, creamy contrast.