Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are my copycat version of the Chili’s classic—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and coated in a fiery Nashville hot butter glaze. They’re the ultimate bold and cheesy appetizer, perfect for game day, parties, or indulgent snacking.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Mozzarella Sticks:

• 1 lb 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 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
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mozzarella:
Slice mozzarella into thick rectangular sticks, about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick.

2. Set Up Breading Stations:
Prepare three shallow bowls:

• Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
• Bowl 2: Whisked eggs
• Bowl 3: Panko and plain breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper

3. Bread the Mozzarella:
Coat each stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating. Place the breaded sticks on a tray.

4. Freeze:
Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 15–20 minutes to firm up.

5. Fry:
Heat about 2 inches of avocado oil in a deep skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes or until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.

6. Make the Nashville Hot Glaze:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), hot sauce, and salt. Stir until smooth.

7. Glaze and Serve:
Dip the hot mozzarella sticks into the glaze and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

Top Tips for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

• Freeze After Breading: Freezing prevents cheese from melting too fast while frying and keeps the breading intact.
• Double Coat for Crunch: A second layer of breadcrumbs makes them extra crispy.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella Blocks: Pre-sliced cheese doesn’t fry as well; fresh blocks give you better texture and shape.
• Control the Spice: Reduce cayenne or hot sauce for a milder glaze, or increase for extra heat.
• Serve Fresh: These sticks are best served hot and fresh for that perfect gooey center and crispy shell.

Nutrition (per serving)

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

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