Imagine biting into a crispy, golden mozzarella stick—only this one has a fiery Nashville hot kick. The crunch of the seasoned breadcrumbs, the gooey, melted cheese, and the spicy butter glaze combine for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks take the traditional fried cheese snack to the next level, blending smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors into a crunchy, cheesy delight.
If you’re a fan of bold, spicy comfort food, this recipe is for you! Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack, or pairing them with a cool buttermilk ranch dip, these spicy mozzarella sticks will be a hit. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering, easy-to-make recipe that brings the heat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside – Perfectly melted cheese wrapped in a crunchy, golden crust.
- Nashville hot flavor – A spicy, buttery glaze adds a unique twist.
- Perfect for parties or game nights – A crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Easy to make at home – No need to visit a restaurant for that fiery crunch.
- Pairs perfectly with buttermilk ranch – The cool, creamy dip balances the heat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Mozzarella Sticks
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mozzarella cheese, cut into 3×2-inch pieces | 1 lb |
| Egg | 1 |
| Water | 1 tbsp |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | As needed |
For the Breading
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Breadcrumbs | 2 cups |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Oregano | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
For the Nashville Hot Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 tbsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Smoked paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic (fresh minced or powdered) | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp |
| Honey (optional) | 1 tsp |
For the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup |
| Sour cream | ½ cup |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Chives (dried or fresh) | 2 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
| Parsley (dried or fresh) | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Sugar | ½ tsp |
How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
- Cut the mozzarella cheese into 3×2-inch sticks.
- Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour (this helps prevent them from melting too quickly when frying).
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and salt.
- Dip each mozzarella stick into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat the breading process twice for an extra crispy coating.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks back in the freezer for 30 minutes.
3. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry a few mozzarella sticks at a time, cooking for about 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey.
- Brush or drizzle the hot sauce over the fried mozzarella sticks.
5. Prepare the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Arrange the Nashville hot mozzarella sticks on a serving platter.
- Serve with a side of cool buttermilk ranch for dipping.
- Enjoy while they’re crispy and hot!
Pro Tips for the Best Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze the cheese before frying – This keeps it from melting too fast.
- Double coat with breadcrumbs – It creates an extra crispy crust.
- Use fresh oil – This ensures a clean, crispy fry.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer – Cook in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- Adjust spice level – Add more cayenne for extra heat or reduce it for milder spice.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Arrange unbaked, breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving – It makes them soggy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (4 mozzarella sticks + sauce):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
What to Serve with Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Pair these spicy mozzarella sticks with:
- Pickles – The tangy crunch balances the heat.
- Celery & Carrots – A refreshing, cooling side.
- French Fries – Classic comfort food combo.
- Coleslaw – A creamy, slightly sweet contrast.
- Iced Sweet Tea – A refreshing drink to cool the heat.
Variations & Substitutions
- Baked Version – Instead of frying, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
- Air Fryer Version – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Cheese Variations – Try pepper jack, cheddar, or gouda for a twist.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF version.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these mozzarella sticks ahead of time?
Yes! Bread and freeze them, then fry or bake straight from frozen.
2. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out?
Make sure to double coat them and freeze before frying.
3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
No, block mozzarella works best for melting and structure.
4. Is this recipe very spicy?
It’s medium-spicy—adjust the cayenne for more or less heat.
5. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
Yes, but homemade buttermilk ranch tastes much better!
6. Can I make this with string cheese?
Yes! It’s a quick shortcut for smaller mozzarella sticks.
Final Thoughts: Try These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Today!
Now that you know how to make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, it’s time to bring the heat, crunch, and gooey goodness to your kitchen! Whether you’re serving them for game night or satisfying a spicy snack craving, these fiery cheese sticks will not disappoint.