These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks combine the classic gooeyness of mozzarella with the fiery kick of Nashville’s signature hot seasoning. Perfectly crispy on the outside and melty on the inside, they’re an irresistible snack for spice lovers.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 1 pound block of whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into thick sticks
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, whisked
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Avocado oil for frying

For the Nashville Hot Glaze:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
• Salt to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Cheese Sticks: Slice the mozzarella block into thick sticks, approximately 3 inches long and ½ inch thick.
2. Set Up Breading Station: Place flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread the Cheese Sticks: Dredge each mozzarella stick in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
4. Freeze the Breaded Sticks: Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 25 minutes to ensure they hold their shape during frying.
5. Heat the Oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat avocado oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
7. Prepare the Nashville Hot Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, hot sauce, and salt. Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth and well combined.
8. Glaze the Mozzarella Sticks: Using tongs, dip each fried mozzarella stick into the hot glaze, ensuring even coverage.
9. Serve Immediately: Serve the glazed mozzarella sticks hot, with ranch or your preferred dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 623 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 36.4 g
• Protein: 21.4 g
• Fat: 36.9 g

The Origin of Nashville Hot Flavor

Nashville Hot seasoning is a signature spicy blend rooted in Southern cuisine. It originated in Nashville, Tennessee, where it became famous for coating crispy fried chicken in a deep, flavorful spice mixture. The defining characteristics of Nashville Hot seasoning are its deep cayenne heat, smoky undertones from paprika, a slight sweetness from brown sugar, and the richness of melted butter or oil that helps the spice stick to the food. Traditionally, this blend is brushed onto freshly fried chicken, creating a fiery yet addictive combination that has gained popularity nationwide. Applying this iconic seasoning to mozzarella sticks results in an appetizer that delivers the same bold and tangy flavor experience but with the comforting, stretchy goodness of melted mozzarella. The combination of crispiness, heat, and cheese makes this dish a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy bold flavors and indulgent textures.

What Makes Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Unique?

Unlike traditional mozzarella sticks, which are typically served with marinara sauce or ranch dressing, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks come coated in a spicy, buttery glaze that adds an extra layer of complexity. The crisp breadcrumb coating ensures a satisfying crunch, while the heat level can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper in the spice mix. The dual breading process is another element that sets this dish apart. By coating the cheese sticks twice, they develop an extra crunchy shell that holds up to the intense heat of frying and ensures the cheese remains perfectly gooey inside. Freezing the sticks before frying is essential to prevent them from breaking apart in the hot oil, making this recipe a bit more advanced than a standard mozzarella stick preparation. The rich, fiery glaze is what truly elevates this dish. Instead of simply dusting the fried mozzarella sticks with seasoning, the hot butter mixture allows the spices to soak into the crispy coating, creating an intense and flavorful bite.

Pairing Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks with Dips and Sides

Because these mozzarella sticks pack a serious heat punch, pairing them with cooling dips can enhance the overall eating experience. Ranch dressing or a creamy buttermilk dip is a perfect match, as its tangy and refreshing flavors balance the spiciness of the glaze. Blue cheese dressing is another great option for those who enjoy a more intense contrast of flavors. For sides, serving Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks with pickles or coleslaw can add a nice contrast of acidity and crunch. Pickles, in particular, are a classic accompaniment to Nashville Hot dishes, as their tanginess helps cut through the richness of the fried coating and spicy butter glaze. A simple coleslaw with a light vinegar-based dressing provides a refreshing counterpoint to the bold heat of the mozzarella sticks.

Customizing the Spice Level

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility when it comes to heat levels. Not everyone enjoys intense spiciness, so the amount of cayenne pepper in the glaze can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. For a milder version, reducing the cayenne and incorporating more brown sugar and butter will create a gentler heat with a touch of sweetness. Conversely, for those who crave extreme spice, additional hot sauce, chili flakes, or even ghost pepper powder can be added to intensify the heat. Another way to modify the flavor profile is by experimenting with different seasonings. Adding a touch of honey to the glaze can create a sweet-and-spicy contrast, while a dash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar can bring a tangy brightness to the dish. Smoked paprika and garlic powder can also be adjusted to emphasize either a smokier or more garlicky taste, depending on preference.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Entertaining

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a fantastic choice for gatherings, game-day parties, and casual get-togethers. Their bold flavor and crispy texture make them an instant hit, and their uniqueness sets them apart from traditional appetizers. Since they can be prepared ahead of time and frozen before frying, they are a convenient option for hosting. Simply fry them up when guests arrive, toss them in the spicy glaze, and serve them hot for an unforgettable snack. This dish is also great for those who love fusion cuisine. Combining the best elements of Southern spice with classic mozzarella sticks makes it an innovative twist on a well-loved favorite. Whether served at a barbecue, a casual dinner party, or even as a fun weekend treat, these spicy cheese sticks will impress anyone who tries them.

Conclusion

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks offer the perfect blend of spicy, crispy, and cheesy goodness, making them an exciting alternative to the classic appetizer. By infusing traditional mozzarella sticks with the bold flavors of Nashville Hot seasoning, this dish delivers a fiery kick that sets it apart from standard fried cheese snacks. The combination of crunchy breading, gooey mozzarella, and a rich, buttery glaze makes it a must-try for anyone who enjoys bold and indulgent flavors.