Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love bold flavors and spicy heat, these Fiery Crunch Nashville-Style Hot Mozzarella Sticks are perfect for you! Combining the creamy, gooey texture of classic mozzarella sticks with the fiery, flavorful punch of Nashville hot seasoning, this recipe delivers the ultimate indulgent snack. The crispy, golden-brown exterior paired with a rich and spicy coating ensures every bite is full of crunch and heat. Perfect for game days, gatherings, or just satisfying your spicy food cravings, these mozzarella sticks are an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Mozzarella cheese sticks
Eggs
All-purpose flour
Panko breadcrumbs
Cayenne pepper
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Black pepper
Salt
Buttermilk
Hot sauce
Vegetable oil for frying
Butter
Brown sugar
Honey
Red pepper flakes

Directions

Prepare the Dredging Stations: In one shallow bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, and hot sauce. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit more salt and pepper.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks: Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Dip it into the egg mixture, then roll it in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
Freeze the Coated Mozzarella Sticks: Place the coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour. This step helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying.
Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there is enough oil to fully submerge the mozzarella sticks.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Fry in batches, cooking each stick for about 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Nashville Hot Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in brown sugar, cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and honey. Mix well until smooth.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks in Hot Sauce: Brush or toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the Nashville hot sauce until fully coated.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy these spicy mozzarella sticks with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or your favorite cooling sauce.

Variations

Mild Version: Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to tone down the heat.
Extra Crispy: Use crushed cornflakes in place of panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
Oven-Baked: Instead of frying, bake at 425°F (218°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze any uncooked, coated mozzarella sticks for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

How spicy are these mozzarella sticks?

They have a bold, spicy kick due to the Nashville hot seasoning, but you can adjust the spice level by reducing the cayenne and red pepper flakes.

Can I use string cheese instead of mozzarella sticks?

Yes! String cheese works perfectly and is easy to handle for this recipe.

What oil is best for frying?

Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are best because of their high smoke points and neutral flavors.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Do I have to freeze the mozzarella sticks before frying?

Yes, freezing helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out while frying.

What dipping sauce pairs well with these?

Ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a cool yogurt-based sauce works great to balance the heat.

How can I make these even crispier?

Double-coating them in the egg and breadcrumb mixture ensures an extra crispy texture.

Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella instead?

No, shredded cheese won’t hold its shape well. Stick with whole mozzarella sticks or string cheese.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the sticks and freeze them before frying.

Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes! Coat and freeze the mozzarella sticks ahead of time, then fry them when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Fiery Crunch Nashville-Style Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate combination of crispy, gooey, and spicy flavors. Whether you’re looking for a game-day appetizer, party snack, or just a spicy indulgence, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give them a try and experience the fiery crunch for yourself!

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