Introduction

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks bring a spicy twist to a classic favorite. Crispy on the outside with gooey mozzarella inside, these sticks are coated in a fiery, flavorful Nashville hot butter sauce that’s perfect for dipping or snacking.

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

12 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1½ cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
Cooking oil (for frying)
¼ cup melted butter
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Place mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent melting during frying.
Step 2: Prepare three bowls for the breading station: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Step 3: Dip each frozen mozzarella stick first into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating. Return coated sticks to the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
Step 4: Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry 3-4 mozzarella sticks at a time for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Mix melted butter with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Brush or toss the hot mozzarella sticks in this spicy butter mixture to coat evenly.
Step 6: Serve immediately with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or marinara sauce for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Freeze the mozzarella sticks thoroughly before breading for best results and to prevent cheese from leaking while frying.
Adjust cayenne pepper in both the breadcrumb mix and butter sauce to control the spice level to your preference.
For extra crunch, try using crushed cornflakes or panko mixed with Parmesan cheese in the breadcrumb coating.
If you prefer baking, spray the breaded sticks with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness, as microwaving may cause sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the Nashville hot coating less spicy?

Yes, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in both the breadcrumb mix and the butter coating to make it milder without losing the smoky flavor.

What oil is best for frying mozzarella sticks?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying. This ensures even cooking without burning the coating.

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a bold and spicy twist on the classic fried cheese snack, coated in a crispy seasoned breadcrumb crust and tossed in a flavorful Nashville hot butter sauce. Perfect for a party appetizer or a tasty snack, these mozzarella sticks deliver a fiery kick with every bite while maintaining a gooey, melty center.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 mozzarella sticks 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

12 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1½ cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
Cooking oil (for frying)

For the Nashville Hot Coating:

¼ cup melted butter
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon brown sugar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Freeze the Cheese Sticks: Place mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent them from melting too quickly during frying.
Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: Dip each frozen mozzarella stick first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating. Place the breaded sticks back in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry 3-4 mozzarella sticks at a time for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Make the Nashville Hot Coating: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until combined. Brush or toss the hot fried mozzarella sticks in this sauce to coat evenly.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately with your choice of ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Freezing the mozzarella sticks before and after breading is key to preventing them from melting too fast during frying.
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level in both the breading and the hot coating.
For crispier sticks, double breading is recommended.
Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 375°F for even cooking and crispy crusts.
Serving with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese balances the spiciness perfectly.

Keywords: Nashville hot, mozzarella sticks, spicy appetizer, fried cheese sticks, party snacks, panko breaded, deep fried