Crunchy, cheesy, and drenched in fiery Nashville hot glaze—this is the ultimate spicy twist on classic mozzarella sticks. If you love bold flavors and crave that perfect balance of heat and creamy cheese, these crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks will be your new favorite indulgence.
With a crispy coating and a buttery, spicy glaze, this dish brings the best of Southern heat straight to your kitchen.
Perfect for game nights, parties, or anytime you want to kick your snacking up a notch.
The Perfect Crunch: Secrets to Crispy Coating
The secret to the crispiest mozzarella sticks? Double coating. Dipping each stick in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs twice locks in the crunch and prevents the cheese from leaking while frying.
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Using both panko and plain breadcrumbs creates the perfect balance of crunch and texture.
Nashville Hot Glaze: Bringing the Heat
This glaze is what sets these mozzarella sticks apart. Inspired by classic Nashville hot chicken, it blends butter, cayenne, brown sugar, and hot sauce to create a bold, spicy-sweet coating. The butter smooths out the heat, making it flavorful without being overwhelming.
Adjusting the spice level:
- Reduce the cayenne and add extra butter for a milder glaze.
- Amp up the heat with extra hot sauce or chili powder.
- Try honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
Best Dipping Sauces for Ultimate Flavor
No mozzarella stick is complete without a dipping sauce. The creamy coolness of ranch or blue cheese dressing pairs perfectly with the heat from the glaze.
Top dips to serve with these mozzarella sticks:
- Ranch Dressing – Classic and cooling.
- Blue Cheese Dip – Bold and tangy, complements the heat.
- Honey Mustard – A sweet contrast to the spicy glaze.
- Garlic Aioli – Adds an extra layer of richness.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Want to prep ahead? These mozzarella sticks can be frozen before frying, making them a quick and easy snack anytime.
How to store and reheat:
- Freezing – Bread and freeze the mozzarella sticks in an airtight container for up to a month.
- Reheating – To maintain crispiness, bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes instead of microwaving.
- Leftovers – Store in the fridge for up to two days.
Perfect Pairings for a Flavorful Experience
These crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are amazing on their own, but pairing them with the right sides and drinks takes them to another level.
Best sides and drinks:
- Celery sticks – A refreshing crunch to cool down the spice.
- Sweet potato fries – A sweet, crispy contrast.
- Iced sweet tea – A Southern classic that soothes the heat.
- Cold beer – A crisp lager or IPA balances the spice.
Whether you’re looking to spice up a gathering or treat yourself to something bold and cheesy, these crispy Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are an unforgettable appetizer.
With a crunchy exterior, melty cheese, and fiery glaze, they’re the perfect bite every time!
Recipe
Best Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
Equipment
- Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Deep Fryer
Ingredients
For the 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 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado oil or canola/vegetable oil for frying
For the Nashville Hot Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder optional
- 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks
- Cut the 1 lb block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks (approximately 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick).
- Set up three separate bowls: One with 1 cup of flour. One with 3 whisked eggs. One with a mixture of 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon cayenne, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour, then dip into the egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer.
- Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for 15-20 minutes to help them maintain their shape during frying.
Frying the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Heat 2 inches of avocado oil in a deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Transfer them to a wire rack to drain excess oil while preparing the glaze.
Making the Nashville Hot Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons cayenne, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional), 2-3 tablespoons hot sauce, and salt.
- Whisk until fully combined and smooth.
Coating and Serving:
- Using tongs, dip each fried mozzarella stick into the Nashville hot glaze, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Nutrition
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.