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Irresistible Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Featured in Quick and Easy Appetizers.

Whip up these spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks for the ultimate appetizer. Thick mozzarella is coated twice for extra crunch, fried to golden goodness, and dipped in mouthwatering hot butter glaze. They're cheesy and crispy with just the right amount of heat. You'll get the perfect result by freezing the sticks before frying and doubling up on breading. Feel free to serve them at parties or enjoy as a snack—you won't regret it!
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Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:24:40 GMT
Deliciously Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Pin it
Deliciously Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks | thefamilycooks.com

Experience the ultimate fusion appetizer - crispy breaded mozzarella sticks infused with authentic Nashville hot spices. Each bite delivers a perfect contrast of textures: a crunchy golden-brown exterior giving way to stretchy melted cheese, all enveloped in that signature Nashville heat.

This tested recipe ensures consistent results through a specialized double-coating technique that locks in the cheese while creating an extra-crispy shell.

Key Ingredients

  • Full-fat mozzarella: Essential for achieving that perfect melted texture
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Provides superior crunch and golden color
  • Fresh cayenne: Delivers authentic Nashville-style heat
  • Hungarian paprika: Adds rich color and smoky depth
  • Dark brown sugar: Provides necessary sweetness balance

Step-by-Step Method

Prepare the Cheese:
Cut chilled mozzarella into 3-inch sticks. Remove moisture with paper towels. Allow brief room temperature rest.
Set Up Breading:
Prepare seasoned flour mixture. Whisk eggs until smooth. Combine spiced breadcrumbs. Arrange in sequence.
Bread the Cheese:
Coat in flour, dip in egg, roll in breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb steps. Press coating firmly.
Chill and Heat:
Freeze breaded sticks for 20 minutes. Heat frying oil to 375°F. Set up cooling rack.
Fry to Perfection:
Cook in small batches until golden. Monitor oil temperature. Turn for even browning. Cook approximately 90 seconds.
Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Pin it
Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks | thefamilycooks.com

Nashville Hot Sauce Technique

The key to perfect sauce consistency lies in gently melting the butter. This gradual process prevents separation and ensures even coating.

Critical Timing

The freezing period prevents premature cheese melting during frying. This step cannot be skipped for optimal results.

Oil Temperature Management

Precise temperature control determines success. Monitor constantly to maintain the ideal 375°F for perfect browning and cheese melt.

Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Pin it
Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks | thefamilycooks.com

This elevated version of classic mozzarella sticks delivers restaurant-quality results. The combination of crispy coating, melted cheese, and signature Nashville spice creates an irresistible appetizer that consistently impresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the mozzarella sticks beforehand?
Yes! You can coat and freeze them for up to a month but fry and add the spicy glaze right before eating.
→ Why is freezing the sticks necessary?
Freezing helps keep the breading on while frying and ensures the cheese doesn’t ooze out too soon.
→ How can I make these less spicy?
Dial down the heat by using less hot sauce and cayenne in the buttery coating.
→ Which is the best oil for frying?
Avocado oil is great, but you can also use oils like canola or vegetable oil that handle high heat well.
→ Which dips go well with the sticks?
Pair them with blue cheese dressing or ranch for a cool, creamy contrast to the spice.

Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, these mozzarella sticks come packed with a spicy Nashville twist!

Prep Time
1 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
6 Minutes

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 Mozzarella (1 pound, sliced into big rectangular pieces, around 3x2 inches)
02 An egg (1 large)
03 A splash of water (1 tablespoon)
04 Enough vegetable oil for frying (a couple cups should do)

→ Crunchy Breading Mix

05 2 cups of breadcrumbs
06 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
07 1 teaspoon of onion powder
08 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
09 Give or take, 1 teaspoon of black pepper
10 Half a teaspoon of salt

→ Nashville Heat Sauce

11 Half a cup of melted, unsalted butter
12 1 tablespoon of cayenne
13 A sweet touch of brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
14 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
15 Minced garlic or powdered garlic (1 teaspoon)
16 Salt, about 1 teaspoon
17 1 teaspoon of black pepper
18 1 teaspoon of honey, if you want it sweeter (optional)

→ Homemade Ranch

19 Half a cup of mayonnaise
20 Sour cream, half a cup of it
21 Half a cup of buttermilk
22 2 teaspoons of fresh chives or swap with dried chives
23 Juice of 1 teaspoon lemon (add more if you prefer)
24 Fresh parsley or dried, 1 teaspoon
25 1 teaspoon of onion powder
26 Garlic powder, ½ teaspoon
27 1 teaspoon of salt
28 Half a teaspoon of pepper
29 A pinch of sugar, ½ teaspoon

Instructions

Step 01

Put everything listed under Nashville Heat Sauce into a little pot over low heat. Keep stirring as the butter melts down. Let it simmer just a few moments so everything blends nicely, then remove it from the heat and set aside.

Step 02

Toss all the ingredients for the ranch dressing into a mixing bowl. Stir it up until super smooth. Let it sit in the fridge while you handle the mozzarella sticks.

Step 03

Dump breadcrumbs into a bowl and mix in all the seasonings from the breading mix. Stir well so everything combines evenly.

Step 04

Crack the egg into a bowl with water and whisk them together to create your egg wash. Set up an assembly line: cheese slices, egg wash, and your bowl of seasoned crumbs.

Step 05

Dredge each mozzarella piece first in the egg wash, then in the breading mix. Repeat this process by dipping back into the egg and breadcrumbs again, making a strong crunchy coat.

Step 06

Arrange your breaded cheese sticks onto a tray lined with parchment paper. Pop them into the freezer for at least thirty minutes. This keeps the cheese from oozing when frying.

Step 07

Heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Take the frozen sticks and fry them until golden brown, roughly 2-3 minutes. Move them to a rack to cool a bit.

Step 08

While they're still hot and fresh, coat each fried stick generously with your Nashville heat sauce. Serve them right away alongside your chilled ranch dip.

Notes

  1. These mozzarella sticks crank up the flavor with a hot twist from Nashville sauce and homemade ranch on the side.
  2. Doubling up on the breading ensures an amazing crunch and holds up to the heat too.
  3. Freezing before frying is totally necessary—don’t skip this step or the cheese might get messy!
  4. Make your ranch ahead so it can get all those flavors balanced.

Tools You'll Need

  • Small pot to melt down the hot sauce
  • A frying pan or deeper pot for frying
  • Wire rack for cooling
  • Tray or sheet pan to freeze
  • Baking parchment paper
  • A few medium-sized bowls for mixing
  • A whisk for blending things
  • A brush to spread sauce

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy like mozzarella, sour cream, and buttermilk
  • Contains egg (from the egg wash)
  • Made with gluten ingredients (breadcrumbs)