Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Turn up the heat on your appetizer game with these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! Crispy, gooey, and fiery in all the right ways, these spicy cheese sticks are coated in bold Nashville-inspired seasoning and fried until golden brown. Whether you’re entertaining guests, craving game-day snacks, or just love your food with a kick, these mozzarella sticks will steal the show.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Spicy Twist on a Classic – Combines comfort food with Southern heat.
Ultra Crispy – Perfect crunch with melty cheese inside.
Bold Flavor – Nashville hot seasoning gives it real personality.
Great for Sharing – The ultimate party food or appetizer.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big payoff.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 12 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• 1½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat level)

For the Nashville Hot Coating:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for basting)
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For Frying:

• Vegetable or canola oil (for deep frying)

For Dipping (Optional):

• Ranch dressing
• Blue cheese dip
• Honey mustard

Tools You’ll Need
Baking sheet
Three shallow bowls
Slotted spoon or spider
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
Tongs or skimmer
Thermometer (optional, for oil temp)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks
Place unwrapped cheese sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1–2 hours.
This helps prevent the cheese from melting too fast when frying.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
In one bowl: add flour.
In the second bowl: whisk eggs with milk.
In the third bowl: mix seasoned breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
Dip each frozen cheese stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
Place coated sticks on a tray and return to the freezer for another 15–20 minutes.

Step 4: Heat the Oil
Fill a pot with at least 2 inches of oil and heat to 350°F (175°C).
Use a thermometer for accuracy if possible.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 6: Make Nashville Hot Coating
In a small bowl, whisk the oil with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, chili powder, and salt.
Brush this spicy oil mix over the freshly fried mozzarella sticks while they’re still hot.

Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or extra seasoning on top if desired.

Tips for the Best Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Freeze Twice – Freezing before and after breading keeps the cheese intact.
Double Dip – Two layers of coating ensure max crunch.
Don’t Overcrowd – Fry in small batches to keep oil temp stable.
Brush, Don’t Soak – The spicy coating should be basted on, not poured.
Serve Hot – They’re best fresh from the fryer when the cheese is perfectly melty.

Serving Suggestions
With Dipping Sauces – Ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup.
As a Snack Board Star – Pair with wings, sliders, or veggies.
Over Salad – Add to a bed of greens for a bold, cheesy crunch.
With Pickles – The tang of pickles balances the heat beautifully.
Tucked in Sliders – Sandwich one in a mini bun for an epic party bite.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Freeze: After frying and cooling, flash freeze and store in bags.
Reheat directly from frozen for best results.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: 375°F for 5–6 minutes until crisp.
Oven: Bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
Avoid microwave – it makes the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly less crispy. Bake at 425°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Can I use different cheese?
Stick to firm cheeses like provolone or cheddar sticks for similar results.

3. How spicy are these?
They pack medium heat. Adjust cayenne in both the coating and oil to dial it up or down.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives.

5. Can I use an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray lightly with oil for a golden finish.

Final Thoughts
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect blend of indulgent comfort food and spicy Southern flair. With their golden crust, gooey center, and bold kick of heat, they’re sure to be a hit whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or just satisfying a spicy craving.

Try them once, and you’ll never look at traditional mozzarella sticks the same way again.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus freezing time)
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American / Southern-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per 2 Sticks, serves 6):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 11g | Carbohydrates: 17g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 420mg

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