If you think you’ve tried every version of mozzarella sticks out there, think again—Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are about to change the game. These fiery, crunchy, cheesy bites combine the bold heat of Nashville’s famous hot chicken seasoning with the gooey, melty goodness of classic mozzarella sticks. Ready to turn up the heat on your next snack? Keep reading to find out why this spicy twist is taking over taste buds everywhere.
| Servings: | 6 |
| Prep Time: | 30 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 10 minutes |
| Total Time: | 40 minutes |
| Serving Size: | 2 to 3 sticks |
Ingredients
- 12 mozzarella cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 and 1 half cups seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Nashville Hot Coating
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 half teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Equipment
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon or metal tongs
- 2 shallow bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Freezer-safe container
- Pastry brush
- Paper towels
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Freeze your cheese: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the mozzarella sticks spaced slightly apart and freeze for 30 minutes. This step makes the cheese firm and less likely to ooze while frying. Do not skip it.
- Set up the dredging stations: In the first shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, salt, and garlic powder. In another bowl, beat eggs and milk. In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with seasoned breadcrumbs. The combo of fine and coarse crumbs creates max crunch.
- Dredge and dip: Coat each frozen mozzarella stick in flour first, then dip in egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs. For an ultra-thick crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb layer once more. Trust me, it is worth the extra step.
- Re-freeze before frying: Place the breaded sticks back on the tray and freeze for 20 more minutes. This makes sure your coating sticks and the cheese stays inside where it belongs.
- Make the hot butter coating: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until just bubbling. Remove from heat, then whisk in the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt until smooth. You want a thick, spicy paste that brushes on easily.
- Heat the oil: In a deep pot or fryer, heat 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Use a thermometer if possible. Consistent heat is key to getting a golden crust without oil soaking in.
- Fry in batches: Working in small batches, fry the sticks 1 to 2 minutes or until crisp and golden. Do not crowd the pot. Turn them gently with tongs for even color.
- Drain and brush: Transfer fried sticks to a cooling rack lined with paper towels. While still hot, brush them generously with the Nashville hot butter. If you like them extra spicy, repeat the brush-over.
- Serve hot: Serve right away with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese. They’re melty, crunchy, and delivering serious heat in the best way.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Sugar | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 580mg |
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I make these ahead and freeze?
Yes. Bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them on a parchment-lined tray. Once solid, transfer to a container or freezer bag. They last up to 1 month. You can fry them straight from frozen.
What if I do not like things too spicy?
No problem. Cut the cayenne pepper in the butter mixture down to 1 tablespoon for a milder version. You will still get great flavor with less heat.
Can I air fry instead of deep fry?
Yes, you can air fry them at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Make sure to give them a light spray of oil and flip halfway for even crisping. They will not be quite the same as deep fried but are still delicious and a lighter option.
We hope you enjoyed this article about Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! If you did, let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts. Don’t forget to pin this article or any image from it on Pinterest to help others discover it too. And if you liked it, please give our pin a like—it really means a lot and helps us keep creating even more great content!
