Description
There’s nothing better than Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks—crispy, gooey cheese sticks coated in a fiery, crunchy breading and tossed in a bold, spicy Nashville hot sauce. These spicy, cheesy delights are perfect for parties, game nights, or anytime you want to turn up the heat!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
For Dipping (Optional):
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Honey drizzle (for a sweet heat balance)
Instructions
Step 1: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
- Cut mozzarella sticks in half and place them on a baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent them from melting too quickly when fried.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
- In one bowl, add flour.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and hot sauce.
- In a third bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks
- Roll each frozen mozzarella stick in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Repeat the egg and panko coating for double breading (this makes them extra crispy).
- Return the coated sticks to the freezer for 30 more minutes.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
- Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce.
Step 6: Toss & Serve
- Brush or toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the Nashville hot sauce.
- Serve immediately with ranch, spicy mayo, or a honey drizzle!
Notes
- Freeze the Cheese! – Prevents them from oozing out while frying.
- Double Breading = Extra Crunch – Ensures a thick, crispy crust.
- Fry in Small Batches – Keeps the oil temperature steady for the crispiest sticks.
- For Extra Heat – Add more cayenne or a splash of ghost pepper sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American