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If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive, you simply must try these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks. This recipe takes the classic fried mozzarella sticks you love and cranks up the flavor with a fiery Nashville hot sauce that clings beautifully to each crunchy bite. The playful heat balanced with a creamy ranch dip makes these sticks an irresistible snack, perfect to share or savor solo. Whether it’s game day or a fun appetizer for friends, Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks bring a bold burst of Southern-inspired zest that will light up your taste buds.

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward making these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks truly shine. Each one plays a crucial role from creating the crunchy crust to layering in that signature spicy kick and creamy contrast. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples, and their simplicity is key to mastering this crowd-pleaser.

Mozzarella (1 lb, cut into 3×2 inch pieces): Use fresh, good-quality cheese for perfect melty centers.
Egg (1) and water (1 tbsp): These create a smooth egg wash that helps the breading stick firmly.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden crust.
Breadcrumbs (2 cups): Provides the crispy exterior essential to the mozzarella stick experience.
Garlic powder (1 tsp), onion powder (1 tsp), oregano (1 tsp), pepper (1 tsp), salt (1/2 tsp): These season the breading for a depth of flavor.
Melted unsalted butter (1/2 cup): The base for the signature Nashville hot sauce glaze.
Cayenne pepper (1 tbsp) and brown sugar (1 tbsp): Balanced heat and sweetness create that classic Nashville flavor.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp), garlic (1 tsp, fresh minced or powdered), salt (1 tsp), pepper (1 tsp), honey (optional, 1 tsp): These ingredients add layers of smoky spice and a touch of honey’s mellow sweetness.
Mayo (1/2 cup), sour cream (1/2 cup), buttermilk (1/2 cup): Combine these for the cool, creamy buttermilk ranch that’s the perfect dip.
Chives (2 tsp, dried or fresh), lemon juice (1 tsp), parsley (1 tsp, dried or fresh), onion powder (1 tsp), garlic powder (1/2 tsp), salt (1 tsp), pepper (1/2 tsp), sugar (1/2 tsp): All these add herby, tangy notes to the ranch dressing that balances the spicy sticks beautifully.

How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce

Begin by gently heating the melted butter, cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional honey in a small pot over low heat. Whisk continually until the butter fully melts and the spices meld into a smooth, fragrant sauce. After simmering for a minute or two, remove it from the heat and set it aside to keep warm. This sauce will be the fiery crown on your fried mozzarella, packing that bold Nashville character.

Step 2: Make the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

In a medium bowl, mix together mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Stir until combined and smooth. Refrigerate this dressing to let the flavors marry—trust me, this cool and creamy ranch dip is pure magic alongside the spice of the mozzarella sticks.

Step 3: Prepare the Seasoned Breading

Combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and salt in a shallow dish. This well-seasoned breading creates the irresistible crunchy shell that contrasts perfectly with the gooey mozzarella inside.

Step 4: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

Whisk the egg and water together to form an egg wash. Dip each mozzarella stick first into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. For that ultra-crispy double crust, dip each stick back into the egg wash and then back into the breadcrumb mix. Lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes; this crucial step keeps the cheese from melting too fast when frying.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep pan—about two inches of oil is ideal. Carefully slide in the frozen mozzarella sticks, frying in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden and crisp. A wire rack is perfect for cooling and draining excess oil at this point.

Step 6: Coat with Nashville Hot Sauce

While still hot, brush the fried mozzarella sticks generously with the prepared Nashville hot sauce. This glaze is where the magic happens, delivering that iconic heat and flavor we all love about Nashville-style dishes.

How to Serve Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped fresh chives or parsley over the sticks for a bright, fresh touch. A light drizzle of honey over the top can also add a surprising, delightful sweetness that plays beautifully against the spice.

Side Dishes

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are unbeatable with a side of homemade buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping. To elevate your party spread, include fresh-cut celery sticks, carrot sticks, or even a crisp garden salad to complement the richness of the cheese and heat of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks on a wooden board lined with parchment paper, accompanied by small bowls of ranch dip and extra Nashville hot sauce. You can also skewer multiple sticks on wooden picks for easy handling at gatherings or arrange them around a small bowl filled with ranch to create a shareable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks left after the festivities, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the crust as crispy as possible, avoid covering them while still warm to prevent steam build-up.

Freezing

These mozzarella sticks freeze wonderfully! After breading and freezing for the initial 30 minutes in the recipe, transfer them to a sealed freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their quality for up to 1 month, making them an easy, flavorful snack to enjoy whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

To reheat and bring back their crunchy glory, bake your leftover or frozen sticks in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. This method crisps the breading without melting the cheese out. Avoid microwaving, as that tends to make them soggy and lose their iconic crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Mozzarella is the best choice for these sticks because it melts perfectly and stretches beautifully. While other cheeses melt too, they may not hold up as well when fried or provide that classic gooey texture.

How spicy are Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks?

The heat level is bold but balanced. The cayenne and smoked paprika bring a nice kick, and you can adjust the cayenne amount if you want more or less heat. The butter and sugar in the sauce mellow it out just enough to keep it deliciously fiery without overwhelming your palate.

Can these mozzarella sticks be baked instead of fried?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Keep in mind the texture will be slightly different—less crispy than frying but still tasty, especially when brushed with the Nashville hot sauce after baking.

Is there an alternative to buttermilk for the ranch dressing?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This adds a tangy acidity that mimics buttermilk’s flavor perfectly.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients, like the spices and mayo, are gluten-free certified. The result is just as delicious and perfect for gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly joyful about biting into a warm, crispy mozzarella stick packed with fiery Nashville hot sauce. These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are guaranteed to become your go-to snack for game nights, casual dinners, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Don’t be surprised if they become the star of your snack lineup—so go ahead and get cooking; your taste buds will thank you!

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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (about 12 sticks) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A bold and spicy twist on classic mozzarella sticks, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks feature crispy, double-breaded cheese fried to perfection and coated in a fiery Nashville hot sauce. Paired with a cool, creamy buttermilk ranch dressing, they make a perfect appetizer or snack for lovers of spicy Southern flavors.

Instructions

Prepare Nashville Hot Sauce: In a small pot over low heat, combine melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional honey. Continuously whisk until the butter melts and the mixture simmers for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prepare Breading Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and salt. Set aside.
Make Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl to create an egg wash for coating the mozzarella sticks.
Coat the Mozzarella: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the process – dip back into the egg wash and again into the breadcrumbs for a double coating to ensure a crispy crust.
Freeze the Breaded Cheese: Place the double-coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up before frying.
Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat over medium-high until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Carefully slide the frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and Sauce: Remove the fried sticks using a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack. Immediately brush each stick with the prepared Nashville hot sauce for that signature spicy coating.
Serve: Plate the Nashville hot mozzarella sticks alongside the chilled buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping and enjoy your spicy, cheesy snack!

Notes

Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying.
You can adjust the cayenne pepper in the hot sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper from the hot sauce.
Use fresh herbs in the ranch dressing for a brighter flavor where possible.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Southern American