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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a fiery, indulgent take on the classic cheesy snack. Inspired by Chili’s popular version, this recipe features thick-cut mozzarella sticks, double-breaded for an ultra-crispy shell and then tossed in a bold Nashville hot butter glaze. The result? A crunchy, gooey, spicy appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or when you’re just craving a next-level cheesy snack.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Mozzarella Sticks:

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

Nashville Hot Glaze:

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chili powder (optional)
2–3 tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
Salt, to taste

Directions

Slice Cheese: Cut mozzarella into thick rectangular sticks (~3 inches long and ½ inch thick).
Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three bowls: flour; whisked eggs; and mixed breadcrumbs with spices (cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper).
Bread the Cheese: Dredge each stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
Freeze: Place on a tray and freeze for 15–20 minutes to prevent melting while frying.
Fry: Heat avocado oil to 375°F. Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack.
Make Glaze: Melt butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, hot sauce, and salt until smooth.
Glaze and Serve: Use tongs to dip each mozzarella stick in the hot glaze. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Nutrients (Per Serving — makes 8 servings)

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

The Nashville Hot Flavor Profile

What sets these mozzarella sticks apart is their signature Nashville hot glaze. This Southern classic was born in Tennessee and traditionally used on fried chicken, but it has since become a beloved spicy sauce used on everything from sliders to shrimp. The glaze is made by mixing cayenne pepper with paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, brown sugar, and hot sauce, all emulsified with melted butter for a slick, fiery coating.

The combination of sweet, spicy, smoky, and buttery flavors makes this glaze utterly irresistible. It hits your tastebuds in waves—first with the buttery richness, then the bold spices, followed by a lingering heat that builds slowly. It’s the perfect complement to the mild, creamy mozzarella inside.

Why Double Breading Matters

One key to success with this recipe is double breading. After dipping each mozzarella stick in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs once, you repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps a second time. This not only ensures the sticks hold their shape and crispness during frying, but it also provides a sturdy barrier that keeps the gooey cheese from leaking out.

Double breading gives the exterior that ultra-crunchy texture we all crave from fried snacks—especially important when you’re about to dunk them in a warm, buttery glaze. The coating holds up beautifully, staying crisp even after being coated in sauce.

From Freezer to Fryer

To get that picture-perfect cheese pull, one of the most important steps is to freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying. This step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out during cooking. Freezing firms up the cheese while allowing the coating to set, ensuring a perfectly gooey center with a crisp, golden shell.

It’s also helpful because you can prep these ahead of time and store them in the freezer until you’re ready to fry. This makes them an ideal choice for party planning—just fry and toss in glaze before serving.

Best Cheese for This Recipe

This recipe calls for whole milk mozzarella, which has the best meltability and richness. Pre-cut mozzarella sticks are convenient but often too thin or processed for the best melt and flavor. Buying a block of mozzarella and slicing it into thick, uniform sticks (~3 inches long and ½ inch thick) will give you that luxurious texture and satisfying bite.

For a more gourmet touch, you could experiment with smoked mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella, but be sure to adjust freezing and frying times to accommodate any changes in melt point.

Choosing the Right Oil

Avocado oil is an excellent choice for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but any high-heat oil like vegetable or canola oil will work well too. Maintaining a consistent temperature around 375°F (190°C) is key—if it’s too low, the breading will absorb oil and turn greasy; too high, and the exterior may brown before the inside is fully melted.

A digital thermometer or countertop fryer can help ensure even, efficient cooking, but a heavy-bottomed pan and careful observation will do the trick as well.

How to Serve Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

These spicy mozzarella sticks shine as an appetizer, but they’re also versatile enough to be the main event for casual nights or party spreads. Serve them with cooling dips like ranch dressing, blue cheese sauce, or a yogurt-based dip to balance the heat. They also pair beautifully with crisp, tangy pickles or coleslaw for contrast.

For presentation, pile them on a platter, drizzle with extra glaze if you’re feeling bold, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or a pinch of extra cayenne for added drama.

Make Them Ahead for Maximum Convenience

What’s great about this recipe is that it’s make-ahead friendly. You can bread and freeze the mozzarella sticks up to a week in advance. The bacon jam for the glaze (if you want to add a smoky twist) can be made days ahead too. When the time comes, it’s just a matter of heating oil, frying for a couple of minutes, and tossing in glaze. Done.

If you’re hosting a larger event, consider doubling the batch and frying in shifts. You can keep finished mozzarella sticks warm in a low oven (around 200°F/93°C) while you work through the batch.

Spice Level Customization

This recipe is easily adjustable for spice tolerance. The Nashville hot glaze is inherently spicy—thanks to a generous amount of cayenne and hot sauce—but you can tweak it based on your audience. Reduce the cayenne for a milder heat or swap in smoked paprika for a deeper flavor with less bite. Want it even hotter? Add crushed red pepper flakes, chili oil, or ghost pepper hot sauce for a serious kick.

You can also play with the glaze texture—some like it thinner, while others want a stickier consistency. Just adjust the butter-to-sugar ratio and reduce longer for a thicker sauce.

Nutritional Notes and Indulgent Balance

This is an indulgent recipe, no doubt. With gooey cheese, crispy frying, and buttery glaze, it delivers the kind of flavor punch that’s best enjoyed in moderation. Per serving, you’re looking at approximately 623 kcal, with a balance of protein from the cheese, carbs from the breading, and fat from both the frying and the glaze.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider baking or air-frying the mozzarella sticks (though they may not hold up as well to the glaze), or serving them with a side salad to balance the richness.

Conclusion

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are everything a party snack should be—crispy, cheesy, spicy, and unforgettable. This recipe transforms the humble mozzarella stick into a fiery, flavor-packed appetizer that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re serving these up for a game-day feast, holiday gathering, or just a fun weeknight treat, they’re sure to become a new favorite.

From the irresistible pull of melted mozzarella to the fiery kick of the Nashville glaze, every bite delivers comfort and excitement in equal measure. With a bit of planning and some simple techniques, you can bring restaurant-quality indulgence right to your home kitchen—no reservations required.

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