Crispy, cheesy, and packed with fiery Nashville heat—these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a bold twist on a classic favorite. If you love that perfect cheese pull and crave a spicy kick, you’re in for a treat. These are not your average mozzarella sticks; they bring the heat, the crunch, and the flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Trust me, once you try these, plain mozzarella sticks just won’t cut it anymore!
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Why You’ll Love Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Spicy and Flavorful: The signature Nashville hot seasoning adds a smoky, fiery depth that takes mozzarella sticks to the next level.
Perfectly Crispy: A crunchy, golden-brown coating locks in all that melty cheese goodness.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a foolproof recipe for any skill level.
Great for Parties: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will disappear fast at any gathering.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to your liking—mild, medium, or extra hot!
Ingredients in Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Here’s what makes these mozzarella sticks stand out:
Mozzarella Sticks: The main event! String cheese works perfectly for that epic cheese pull.
Eggs and Milk: A simple wash to help the coating stick.
Flour: Creates the first layer to help everything adhere properly.
Breadcrumbs: The crispy outer coating that gives these their signature crunch.
Nashville Hot Seasoning: A fiery blend of cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and brown sugar for that unmistakable heat.
Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for the perfect fry.
How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Prep the Cheese: Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour. This keeps them from melting too fast when frying.
Set Up Breading Stations: In three separate bowls, place flour in one, whisked eggs and milk in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with Nashville hot seasoning in the third.
Bread the Sticks: Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat for a double coating to ensure crispiness.
Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a pan to 375°F. Fry the sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes.
Drain and Rest: Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Coat in Nashville Hot Butter: Melt butter and mix it with extra Nashville hot seasoning. Toss the fried sticks in this spicy butter for an extra punch of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!
How to Serve Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Ranch or Blue Cheese Dip: The coolness balances the heat beautifully.
Honey Drizzle: A touch of sweetness makes the spice pop.
Pickles on the Side: Classic Nashville-style contrast of heat and tang.
Extra Nashville Hot Sauce: For those who love an extra kick!
As a Standalone Snack: Perfect for game day, parties, or just a spicy indulgence.
Additional Tips
Freeze Before Frying: This prevents the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
Double Coat for Extra Crunch: A second layer of breading makes them extra crispy.
Adjust Spice Level: Reduce cayenne for a milder version, or add ghost pepper for an extreme kick.
Use an Air Fryer: For a lighter version, air fry at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make Ahead: Freeze breaded sticks and fry when ready to serve for convenience.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella? A1: No, string cheese works best because it holds its shape while melting.
Q2: Can I make these in an air fryer? A2: Yes! Air fry at 400°F for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q3: How do I store leftovers? A3: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Q4: Can I freeze them? A4: Absolutely! Bread them, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen.
Q5: What oil is best for frying? A5: Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best.
Q6: How do I make them less spicy? A6: Reduce the cayenne and smoked paprika, or skip the Nashville hot butter coating.
Q7: Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs? A7: Yes! Swap regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative.
Q8: What’s the best way to serve these at a party? A8: Keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) and serve with a variety of dips.
Q9: Can I bake them instead of frying? A9: Yes! Bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q10: What other cheeses can I use? A10: Try pepper jack for an extra spicy, melty alternative.
Final Thoughts
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect blend of spicy, crispy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just to satisfy a spicy craving, they’re sure to be a hit. Give them a try, and let me know how much you love them!
Print
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: A
Description
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold, fiery flavor—these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks take the classic favorite up a notch! Each bite delivers a gooey cheese pull wrapped in a spicy, golden crust, brushed with a smoky Nashville hot sauce. Served with cool, homemade buttermilk ranch, they’re the ultimate appetizer or game day snack.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
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1 lb mozzarella, cut into 3×2-inch pieces
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1 egg
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1 tbsp water
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Breading
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2 cups breadcrumbs
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp oregano
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1 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp salt
Nashville Hot Sauce
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tbsp cayenne pepper
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1 tbsp brown sugar
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp garlic, minced or powdered
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp honey (optional, for slight sweetness)
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
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1/2 cup mayo
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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2 tsp chives, dried or fresh
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1 tsp lemon juice
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1 tsp parsley, dried or fresh
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp sugar
Instructions
Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
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In a small pot over low heat, add all Nashville Hot Sauce ingredients.
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Whisk continuously until the butter melts, then let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.
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Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
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In a bowl, mix all Buttermilk Ranch Dressing ingredients until smooth.
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Place in the fridge until ready to serve.
Breading the Mozzarella Sticks
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In a bowl, combine all Breading ingredients.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and water to create an egg wash.
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Dip each mozzarella piece into the egg wash, then coat in the seasoned breadcrumbs.
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Repeat the process: dip back into the egg wash, then coat again in breadcrumbs (double breading for extra crispiness!).
Freeze & Fry
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Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
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Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
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Once the mozzarella sticks are solid, gently drop them into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
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Transfer to a cooling rack and immediately brush with Nashville Hot Sauce.
Serve & Enjoy!
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Serve hot with homemade ranch dressing on the side. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat and coolness!
Notes
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For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
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Want a milder version? Reduce the cayenne in the sauce and add a touch more honey.
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Make ahead: Bread and freeze mozzarella sticks up to 3 months. Fry straight from frozen!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 mozzarella sticks
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 80mg