1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Featured in Party Starters That Disappear Fast.

These bold mozzarella sticks bring together gooey cheese with a crispy, double-breaded coating sprinkled in Nashville spicy butter. Made for maximum crunch and heat, the secret steps include freezing the sticks before frying and adding a second coating layer. Serve up these zesty bites for a perfect match of creamy, crispy, and fiery flavors.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A woman holding a vegetable in a kitchen.
Updated on Sat, 05 Apr 2025 22:19:05 GMT
Golden Fried Hot Mozzarella Sticks Pin it
Golden Fried Hot Mozzarella Sticks | cookwithtaste.com

Take a bite and feel the perfect crunch giving way to gooey cheese, then get hit with that signature Nashville kick. These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks blend two comfort food favorites into one addictive snack that'll keep everyone coming back for more.

I've tried making these many different ways, and doubling up on the coating really makes them stand out. My kids now ask for these instead of delivery whenever we watch movies together.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

  • Whole milk mozzarella: Gives you that amazing stretch when you pull them apart
  • Panko breadcrumbs: Makes them way crunchier than regular breadcrumbs ever could
  • Cayenne pepper: The key to that Nashville flavor - using fresh makes a big difference
  • Smoked paprika: Brings a rich, smoky undertone to the spiciness
  • Brown sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance out the heat

Step-by-Step Guide

Cheese Preparation:
Cut the mozzarella while it's still cold for clean edges. Make your sticks about 3 inches long so they cook evenly. Wipe away moisture with paper towels. Let them sit out for 10 minutes.
Breading Station Setup:
Add salt and pepper to your flour. Whisk eggs until they're smooth. Combine the breadcrumbs with all your spices. Line up your bowls in order.
Coating Process:
First, cover cheese in the flour mix and tap off extra. Next, dunk in the egg mixture and let drips fall off. Then roll in your spiced breadcrumbs. Go through the egg and breadcrumbs again for extra crunch. Lightly press the coating onto the cheese.
Pre-Frying Preparation:
Put your breaded sticks on a lined tray. Stick them in the freezer for 20 minutes - don't go longer. Get your oil hot to exactly 375°F. Set up a cooling rack with paper towels underneath.
Frying Technique:
Gently place sticks into the hot oil. Cook just a few at a time to keep the oil hot. Flip them carefully for even browning. Take them out when they turn golden, about a minute and a half.
Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Pin it
Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks | cookwithtaste.com

Mastering the Signature Sauce

A Nashville cook taught me that how you heat the butter really matters. Melting it slowly stops it from breaking and makes the sauce coat everything better.

Timing Is Everything

Don't skip freezing them - it keeps the cheese from leaking out during frying. I skipped this the first time and while they tasted good, they looked like a mess.

Watch Your Heat

After making these tons of times, I can tell you that keeping your oil at the right temp makes all the difference. Too hot and the outside burns before the inside melts; too cold and they soak up oil and get soggy.

Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Pin it
Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks | cookwithtaste.com

I bring these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks to every get-together now. They've got everything people go crazy for - that crunchy outside, stretchy cheese inside, and that can't-stop Nashville spice. When the plate's empty within minutes, I know I've got a winner!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can these be prepped in advance?
Definitely! You can freeze them breaded for up to a month but fry and sauce them fresh when ready to serve.
→ Why is freezing important?
Freezing keeps the breading firm while frying and prevents the cheese from oozing out too soon.
→ How can I tweak the spice level?
Easily adjust by adding more or less cayenne and hot sauce to suit your taste.
→ What's the best oil to fry with?
Avocado oil is great, but neutral oils like canola or vegetable work just as well.
→ What should I serve with these?
Ranch or blue cheese dressing is perfect to balance the heat and add creaminess.

Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Crisp-coated cheese sticks with spicy sauce. Melty goodness and bold Nashville-style flavors in each bite.

Prep Time
1 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
6 Minutes
By: Milly


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Key Ingredients

01 Vegetable oil (sufficient for deep frying)
02 Water (1 tablespoon)
03 Large egg (1)
04 Fresh mozzarella (1 pound, cut into slices about 3x2 inches)

→ Crispy Coating Blend

05 Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
06 Salt (½ teaspoon)
07 Breadcrumbs (2 cups)
08 Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
09 Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
10 Onion powder (1 teaspoon)

→ Spicy Glaze

11 Cayenne pepper (1 tablespoon)
12 Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
13 Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted)
14 Salt (1 teaspoon)
15 Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
16 Honey (1 teaspoon, optional for a sweet kick)
17 Fresh minced or powdered garlic (1 teaspoon)
18 Black pepper (1 teaspoon)

→ Creamy Dipping Sauce

19 Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon)
20 Garlic powder (½ teaspoon)
21 Salt (1 teaspoon)
22 Buttermilk (½ cup)
23 Mayonnaise (½ cup)
24 Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
25 Sugar (½ teaspoon)
26 Sour cream (½ cup)
27 Black pepper (½ teaspoon)
28 Fresh or dried parsley (1 teaspoon)
29 Fresh or dried chives (2 teaspoons)

Instructions

Step 01

Melt butter on low heat in a small saucepan, tossing in all the ingredients for the hot glaze. Stir non-stop while the butter melts down. Once everything’s mixed and simmered for a minute or two, set aside.

Step 02

Stir together all the ingredients for the creamy ranch sauce in a bowl until you’ve got a smooth mix. Chill in the fridge while the rest of the process is underway.

Step 03

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in your breadcrumbs, spices, and herbs. Give it a thorough mix so the flavor’s nice and even. Keep it handy for assembling.

Step 04

Whisk the egg and water in a bowl to create a quick egg wash. Arrange your assembly line with the mozzarella slices, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture.

Step 05

Take each piece of mozzarella and first dip it in the egg mixture, then cover it with the breadcrumbs. Repeat for a second layer of both. This’ll give a great crunchy outside.

Step 06

Lay the breaded cheese sticks on a tray covered with parchment. Freeze for around half an hour. This stops the cheese from leaking when it hits the hot oil.

Step 07

Heat a couple of inches of oil to 350°F. Fry the frozen sticks carefully for about 2 or 3 minutes until they’re golden and crisp. Lay them on a rack to cool a little.

Step 08

Brush the hot sticks generously with the spicy glaze while they’re still warm. Plate them with the chilled ranch sauce and dive in!

Notes

  1. Take your mozzarella sticks up a notch with a bold kick from Nashville heat and a creamy ranch dip.
  2. Double-dipping in breadcrumbs ensures a super crispy layer that holds its own under the glaze.
  3. Freezing the sticks first stops the cheese from melting out when they’re fried.
  4. Try making the dipping sauce a little ahead of time. It tastes even better later!

Tools You'll Need

  • A pan or pot suitable for deep frying.
  • Cooling rack for after frying.
  • Parchment paper for the baking tray.
  • Small pot to prepare the glaze.
  • Mixing bowls for the breading mix and dressing.
  • Whisk for mixing.
  • Pastry brush to coat with the spicy glaze.
  • A baking tray to hold and freeze the sticks.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from mozzarella, sour cream, and buttermilk.
  • Eggs are included.
  • Breadcrumbs provide gluten.