Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks : Crispy & Spicy

If you love crispy, cheesy, and spicy snacks, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks will become your new favorite! They take classic mozzarella sticks and give them a fiery Nashville hot twist, making them the ultimate indulgence. Whether you’re craving Chili’s Cheese Sticks, Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks in the Air Fryer, or looking for easy things to make at home to eat, this recipe is for you. Get ready to enjoy the perfect balance of crunchy, gooey, and spicy in every bite!

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What Are Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks?

These hot mozzarella sticks are a creative spin on Nashville hot chicken, a famous spicy fried chicken dish from Tennessee. Instead of chicken, we coat mozzarella sticks in a bold, spiced breading, fry them until golden, and toss them in a signature Nashville hot sauce. The result? A crunchy, gooey, fiery snack that’s impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super crispy and flavorful – The spiced coating gives these mozzarella sticks an extra crunch and a punch of heat.
Perfect for parties and game nights – These are a hit at any gathering, just like Chili Mozzarella Sticks.
Easy to customize – Adjust the spice level, bake instead of frying, or try Buffalo Mozzarella Sticks for a different twist.
Fun and easy to make at home – With simple ingredients and steps, this is one of the best easy things to make at home to eat!

Ingredients Needed

To make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, you’ll need:

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

12 mozzarella cheese sticks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for extra heat)
Cooking oil (for frying)

For the Nashville Hot Sauce:

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

Kitchen Equipment Required

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Shallow dishes for breading
Frying pan or deep fryer
Tongs
Paper towels
Baking sheet (for freezing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Sticks

Place the mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 1-2 hours. This step prevents them from melting too quickly while frying.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In three separate dishes:

Flour Mixture: Combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne.
Egg Wash: Whisk eggs with milk and hot sauce.
Breadcrumb Mixture: Mix panko breadcrumbs with dried oregano.

Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

Coat each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, dip into the egg wash, then roll in breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer, ensuring a thick, crispy crust.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce

In a bowl, mix melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.

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Step 6: Coat and Serve

Brush the hot mozzarella sticks with the Nashville hot sauce or toss them in a bowl to coat evenly. Serve immediately with your favorite dips!

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Tips for Perfect Mozzarella Sticks

Double coat for extra crunch – A second layer of breadcrumbs ensures a crispier exterior.
Freeze before frying – Prevents the cheese from melting too quickly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches for even cooking.
Use an air fryer for a healthier option – Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

Variations of This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Mozzarella Sticks Air Fryer – Add shredded buffalo chicken inside for a spicy twist.
Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella – Wrap each stick in bacon before breading for extra flavor.
Chili’s Cheese Sticks Copycat – Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and serve with marinara sauce.
Chili Mozzarella Sticks – Add extra chili powder for a fiery kick!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these spicy mozzarella sticks with delicious dips like:

Ranch dressing – Cools down the heat.
Honey mustard – Adds a sweet contrast.
Marinara sauce – Classic pairing for cheese sticks.
Garlic aioli – Creamy and flavorful!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage: Store leftover Nashville hot mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Oven/Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Microwave: Not recommended as it makes them soggy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the freezing step – Warm cheese will melt too fast in the oil.
Breading only once – A single layer won’t hold up as well.
Using oil that’s too hot or too cold – Too hot burns the coating; too cold makes them greasy.

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FAQ Section

Can I make these in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko makes them crispier. You can also use crushed cornflakes.

How can I make them less spicy?
Reduce the cayenne pepper in the sauce and coating.

What cheese works best?
Mozzarella is best, but you can try pepper jack for extra heat.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now that you know how to make these crispy, spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, it’s time to try them at home! Whether you’re making them for a party, game night, or just because you love cheesy snacks, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

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