Spicy Mozzarella Sticks
If you’re a fan of bold Southern heat and melty cheese, you’re going to love Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks. These spicy snacks combine the kick of Nashville hot seasoning with the gooey goodness of mozzarella, all wrapped up in a crunchy golden crust. Whether you’re prepping for game day or looking to spice up your appetizers, this recipe hits every note.
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are easy to make and even easier to devour. Let’s break down how to make this fiery favorite at home.
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (halved for bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Nashville Hot Coating:
- ¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s or Crystal)
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
👨🍳 How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
1. Freeze the Cheese
Place the mozzarella halves on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours. This keeps them from melting too fast while frying.
2. Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up 3 bowls:
- Flour mixture: flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika
- Egg mixture: eggs + buttermilk
- Breadcrumbs: mix panko and regular breadcrumbs
3. Bread the Mozzarella
Dip each frozen cheese stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumbs once more for extra crunch.
4. Fry or Air Fry
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Air Fry: Spray breaded sticks with oil and air fry at 390°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Make the Nashville Hot Coating
Whisk melted butter, hot sauce, cayenne, brown sugar, and spices. Adjust heat to taste.
6. Toss & Serve
Toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the hot coating. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dip.
💡 Tips for the Best Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze longer for less cheese leakage.
- Double coat for ultimate crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne for spice control.
- Air fryer friendly and less greasy!
🍽️ What to Serve With Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Pair your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks with:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery or carrot sticks
- Creamy coleslaw
- Sweet chili or honey mustard dip
- Iced tea or lemonade to cool the heat
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2–3 days
- Reheat: Use an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes
- Freeze: Freeze uncooked, breaded sticks for up to 2 months
🔄 Flavor Variations
Try these creative spins on Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks:
- Buffalo-style: Swap out Nashville spices for buffalo wing sauce
- Honey Hot: Add 1 tbsp honey to your coating for a sweet-spicy twist
- Jalapeño Cheddar: Use pepper jack or jalapeño-infused cheese
- Korean-style: Use gochujang and sesame oil for an Asian fusion vibe
❤️ Why You’ll Love Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Combines Southern spice with cheesy indulgence
- Crowd-pleasing for parties, holidays, or movie nights
- Easy to prep ahead and fry fast
- Perfect for spice lovers and cheese fans alike!
Whether you’re craving heat, crunch, or comfort, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks deliver in every bite.
