Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are a fun twist on a classic snack, combining crispy, melty mozzarella cheese with a bold, spicy kick inspired by Nashville hot chicken. These sticks are coated in a flavorful, spicy batter that gives you just the right amount of heat and crunch in every bite. If you love the idea of cheesy goodness with a little fire, these are going to be your new favorite finger food.
I love making these because they are perfect for sharing at a casual get-together or just when I want a tasty treat with a bit of a spicy punch. The spice mix is easy to adjust – you can make it milder or hotter depending on your mood, and I always find myself dipping them in a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance out the heat. It’s that combo of crispy, gooey cheese and spicy seasoning that keeps me coming back for more.
My favorite way to serve these is fresh and hot from the fryer, right alongside some celery sticks or a simple salad to lighten things up. They’re perfect for game day, movie night, or just whenever you want a snack that feels a little extra special without a lot of fuss. Just be ready for the little happy dance you’ll do after one too many mozzarella sticks!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mozzarella sticks: String cheese works best for quick melting. Freeze them first to help keep shape. If you want a twist, try smoked mozzarella for extra flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs: These create a nice crunch. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can work, but panko gives a lighter, crispier texture.
Spices: Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper bring the signature Nashville heat. Adjust cayenne for milder or spicier sticks depending on what you like.
Butter: Used to coat the fried cheese sticks for that spicy glaze. Use unsalted butter to control saltiness.
How Do You Keep Mozzarella Sticks From Melting Too Fast When Frying?
Preventing cheese from leaking is key here. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Freeze cheese sticks first: Freeze for at least an hour before breading. This helps the cheese stay firm.
- Double breading: Repeating the egg and breadcrumb coat adds a thicker crust that seals the cheese in.
- Freeze again after breading: Another short freeze helps the coating set, so it won’t fall apart in hot oil.
- Oil temperature: Fry at 350°F (175°C) to get a quick crisp on the outside while trapping the cheese inside.
These steps make sure you get melty cheese inside and a crispy, non-greasy crust outside every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep fryer or heavy pot – perfect for frying the sticks evenly and safely at the right temperature.
- Thermometer – helps keep oil at 350°F so sticks cook crisp without burning.
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper – keeps the mozzarella sticks tidy while freezing.
- Slotted spoon – makes it easy to lift fried sticks out of hot oil without extra oil.
- Small saucepan – for melting and mixing the Nashville hot seasoning butter evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try pepper jack cheese for mozzarella sticks with a built-in spicy kick.
- Mix some cayenne with garlic powder and smoked paprika in the breadcrumb mix for extra bold flavor.
- Add finely chopped jalapeños to the seasoning butter for a fresh, spicy twist.
- Serve with honey mustard or ranch dip instead of marinara for a creamy contrast to the heat.
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Nashville Hot Seasoning Butter:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
Expect about 1 hour and 45 minutes in total. Freezing the mozzarella sticks twice takes time, but the actual prep and frying only take around 30 minutes combined. The resting stages help keep the cheese from melting out and give you that perfect crispy crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Freeze the Cheese Sticks:
Take the mozzarella sticks out of their wrappers and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put them in the freezer for about 1 hour to make sure they firm up before you bread them.
2. Prepare Your Breading Stations:
Set up three bowls: one with the flour, one with beaten eggs and water mixed together, and the last with panko breadcrumbs combined with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bread the Sticks:
Remove the frozen mozzarella sticks and coat each one first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat well with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crunchy layer, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more on each stick.
4. Freeze Again:
Place the breaded mozzarella sticks back on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes before frying. This extra chilling helps keep the coating firm and stops the cheese from leaking out when frying.
5. Make the Nashville Hot Seasoning Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and combined. Keep warm while you fry.
6. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Use a slotted spoon to remove each batch and drain on paper towels.
7. Coat in Nashville Hot Butter:
While the sticks are still hot, brush them generously with the spicy seasoning butter for that classic Nashville hot flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the sticks on a platter, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or blue cheese.
Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella Sticks for This Recipe?
It’s best to start with fresh string cheese sticks that you freeze yourself, as pre-frozen sticks may have excess moisture which affects the breading. But if using frozen store-bought mozzarella sticks, thaw them completely and pat dry before breading.
How Can I Make These Sticks Less Spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in both the breadcrumb coating and the butter mixture, or omit it entirely for a milder flavor. You can also serve with cooling dips like ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
To keep them crispy, reheat leftover sticks in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Can I Bake the Mozzarella Sticks Instead of Frying?
Yes! Place breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and melty. They won’t be quite as crispy but still delicious and less oily.
