Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks – Spicy, Crispy & Cheesy!

If you love crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks with a spicy kick, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a must-try! This recipe takes classic mozzarella sticks and coats them in a bold, fiery Nashville hot seasoning, giving them irresistible heat and crunch.

Whether you’re making them for game night, parties, or a fun snack, these cheesy, spicy bites are sure to be a hit. Serve them with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or honey for a sweet-heat balance!

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Ingredients for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

the Nashville Hot Coating:

• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Frying:

• 2 cups vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Serving (Optional):

• Ranch dressing
• Marinara sauce
• Pickles (for a tangy contrast)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking sheet
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Cut each mozzarella stick in half for smaller portions (optional).
2. Place the flour in one bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
4. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

2. Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, shaking off excess.
2. Next, dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
3. Coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to stick.
4. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer of crunch.
5. Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour (this prevents cheese from melting too quickly when frying).

3. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. Fry in batches for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Nashville Hot Coating

1. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Brush or toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the spicy Nashville sauce.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve immediately with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or honey for a sweet-heat balance.
• Garnish with pickles for extra flavor!

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Expert Tips for the Best Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Freeze the cheese sticks – This ensures they don’t burst while frying.
Double coat for extra crunch – A second layer of breadcrumbs makes them even crispier.
Adjust the spice level – Reduce cayenne for milder heat or add extra for extra fire!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the freezing step – This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
Not maintaining oil temperature – Keep it at 375°F (190°C) for the best texture.
Overcrowding the pan – Fry in small batches for even crispiness.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve on a wooden platter with ranch, honey, or marinara sauce.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cayenne for color.
• Add pickle chips or coleslaw for a true Nashville experience!

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
• Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

Freezing:

• Freeze uncooked mozzarella sticks for up to 2 months.
• Fry directly from frozen (add an extra 30 seconds to frying time).

Variations and Substitutions

• Make them baked – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Use string cheese – A great shortcut if mozzarella sticks aren’t available.
• Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

What to Serve with Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

• Mac and cheese for a double-cheese delight.
• Sweet potato fries to balance the heat.
• Cool coleslaw for a refreshing side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Coat the mozzarella sticks and freeze them until ready to fry.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Use panko breadcrumbs and double coat for the best crunch.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

Conclusion

These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and spicy! Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just because, they’re easy to make and absolutely addictive.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more spicy and cheesy recipes!

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Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 320 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings).

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 6

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