Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks combine two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible appetizer that’s sure to be the star of your next gathering. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to gooey, melted cheese, while the signature Nashville hot spice blend delivers that perfect kick of heat that keeps you coming back for more.

I created this recipe after wondering what would happen if the iconic Nashville hot chicken seasoning met the classic mozzarella stick. The result? A fiery twist on a beloved classic that strikes the perfect balance between spicy and cheesy indulgence. These sticks are dangerously addictive – consider yourself warned!

Why You’ll Love This

• Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish
• The perfect balance of crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese interior
• Customizable heat level – make them as mild or as fiery as you like
• Great for game day, parties, or an elevated snack night
• Can be prepped ahead and frozen for quick cooking later

Ingredients

• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 3×2 inch pieces
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water
• Vegetable oil for deep frying
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions

1. Add all the hot sauce ingredients to a small pot and heat over low heat. Whisk everything together as the butter melts, then let it bubble gently for about 2 minutes. Take it off the heat and set it aside – this sauce is going to be amazing.
2. Grab a bowl and mix together all the ranch ingredients until everything is well combined. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you work on the mozzarella sticks. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
3. In a bowl, combine all the breading ingredients and mix well. This seasoned coating is what's going to give your mozzarella sticks that perfect crunch and flavor.
4. Whisk the egg and water together to make your egg wash. Dip each mozzarella piece in the egg wash, then coat it in the seasoned breading. Dip it back in the egg wash, then coat it again in the breading – this double coating is key for that crispy shell.
5. Place your breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when you fry them.
6. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pan to 350°F. Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks and fry for 2-3 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy. Don't overcrowd the pan – work in batches if needed.
7. Transfer the hot mozzarella sticks to a cooling rack and immediately brush them with the Nashville hot sauce while they're still warm. Serve right away with the chilled ranch dressing and watch them disappear!

Tips & Variations

• For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper by half
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor
• Try using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra spicy kick
• Air fryer option: Spray with cooking oil and air fry at 390°F for 6-8 minutes
• For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup of crushed cornflakes to the panko mixture
• Make ahead: Freeze the breaded (uncooked) sticks for up to 1 month; cook from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to frying time

Serving Suggestions

These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are delicious on their own, but they reach new heights when served with a cooling dip. Try ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a tangy honey-lime yogurt sauce to balance the heat. For a complete appetizer spread, pair them with pickle spears and celery sticks.

For a fun twist on a main dish, serve these spicy sticks alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to create a satisfying meal that balances richness with freshness.

Notes

• Double-freezing the cheese is crucial to prevent leaking during frying
• Oil temperature matters: too hot and the coating burns before cheese melts; too cool and the sticks will absorb too much oil
• Best enjoyed immediately after cooking for maximum gooeyness
• If any cheese starts to leak during frying, remove it immediately

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through.

Why did my cheese leak out during frying?
This usually happens when the cheese isn’t cold enough or the breading has gaps. Make sure to freeze thoroughly and double-coat for best results.

Can I make these ahead for a party?
You can bread the sticks up to a month ahead and freeze them uncooked. Fry them just before serving for the best texture and gooey center.

How spicy are these really?
With the full tablespoon of cayenne, they’re definitely hot but not unbearable. Adjust the cayenne up or down to match your preferred heat level.

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Recipe by Feel Tasty

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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks combine two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible appetizer that’s sure to be the star of your next gathering. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to…

Servings4

Prep15 min

Cook5 min

Calories385 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 3×2 inch pieces
• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp water
• Vegetable oil for deep frying
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Steps

1. Add all the hot sauce ingredients to a small pot and heat over low heat. Whisk everything together as the butter melts, then let it bubble gently for about 2 minutes. Take it off the heat and set it aside - this sauce is going to be amazing.
2. Grab a bowl and mix together all the ranch ingredients until everything is well combined. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you work on the mozzarella sticks. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
3. In a bowl, combine all the breading ingredients and mix well. This seasoned coating is what's going to give your mozzarella sticks that perfect crunch and flavor.
4. Whisk the egg and water together to make your egg wash. Dip each mozzarella piece in the egg wash, then coat it in the seasoned breading. Dip it back in the egg wash, then coat it again in the breading - this double coating is key for that crispy shell.
5. Place your breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when you fry them.
6. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pan to 350°F. Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks and fry for 2-3 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy. Don't overcrowd the pan - work in batches if needed.
7. Transfer the hot mozzarella sticks to a cooling rack and immediately brush them with the Nashville hot sauce while they're still warm. Serve right away with the chilled ranch dressing and watch them disappear!

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 385 kcal