These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks bring the perfect balance of spicy, crispy, and cheesy goodness! Crispy golden breading, gooey melted cheese, and a fiery Nashville-style hot seasoning make these an irresistible snack. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just craving something bold and cheesy, these mozzarella sticks are a must-try!
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Why You’ll Love These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Spicy & Flavorful: A perfect balance of heat and savory cheese.
- Crispy & Cheesy: Crunchy outside, melty inside—just the way mozzarella sticks should be!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, appetizers, or a spicy snack.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, big flavor!
Ingredients for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
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
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow bowls for dredging
- Deep frying pan or air fryer
- Paper towels
- Tongs
How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Step 1: Freeze the Cheese Sticks
- Place mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This prevents them from melting too quickly when frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, add flour.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
- Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into the flour, coating evenly.
- Next, dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Roll in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer of crispiness.
- Place coated sticks back in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
Step 4: 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 place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Coating
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well combined.
- Brush or toss the hot butter mixture over the crispy mozzarella sticks for that bold Nashville flavor.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or marinara sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with ranch or honey mustard to balance the heat.
- Serve alongside crispy fries or pickles for a Southern-style snack.
- Add extra cayenne if you love intense heat!
Tips for the Best Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze the cheese well before frying to keep them from bursting.
- Double coat with breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy texture.
- Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- For less spice, reduce the cayenne in the hot butter coating.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Freeze for Later: Breaded, uncooked sticks can be frozen for up to 3 months and fried straight from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I bake or air fry these instead of frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
Q2: How do I make these extra spicy?
A: Add hot sauce to the egg mixture and extra cayenne to the breadcrumbs for even more heat!
Q3: Can I use different cheeses?
A: Yes! Try cheddar, pepper jack, or Colby cheese for a fun twist.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Spicy, Cheesy Snack!
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks take classic mozzarella sticks to the next level! With a crispy coating, gooey melted cheese, and a bold, spicy butter glaze, they’re a guaranteed hit. Give them a try and let us know how they turn out!
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your delicious creations.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Freezing Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 320
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Enjoy every spicy, cheesy bite!
Print
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks bring the perfect balance of spicy, crispy, and cheesy goodness! Crispy golden breading, gooey melted cheese, and a fiery Nashville-style hot seasoning make these an irresistible snack. Whether you’re hosting a game night or just craving something bold and cheesy, these mozzarella sticks are a must-try!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
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
Step 1: Freeze the Cheese Sticks
- Place mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This prevents them from melting too quickly when frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- In one shallow bowl, add flour.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
- Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into the flour, coating evenly.
- Next, dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Roll in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer of crispiness.
- Place coated sticks back in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
Step 4: 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 place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Coating
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until well combined.
- Brush or toss the hot butter mixture over the crispy mozzarella sticks for that bold Nashville flavor.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or marinara sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Freeze the cheese well before frying to keep them from bursting.
- Double coat with breadcrumbs for an ultra-crispy texture.
- Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
- For less spice, reduce the cayenne in the hot butter coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cuisine: American
