Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy, gooey, spicy, and totally irresistible—these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate appetizer for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving bold flavor with a creamy twist. With melty mozzarella coated in a crunchy crust and brushed in a sweet and spicy Nashville-style hot sauce, every bite delivers the perfect contrast of heat and cool when dunked in ranch.
Servings: 15
Equipment
- small pot
- Whisk
- mixing bowls
- baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- skillet
- wire cooling rack
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh mozzarella cut into 3x2-inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon water
- Vegetable oil for frying enough to come halfway up your pan
- 2 cups Italian bread crumbs
Nashville Hot Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- ½ Tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey mustard dressing
Instructions
Nashville Hot Sauce:
- Make the sauce. In a small pot over low heat, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and honey mustard. Bring the mixture to a low simmer for 1-2 minutes before removing from the heat. Set aside.
Assemble
- Prepare your pan. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make your dredging station. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until fully combined. In another small bowl, add your breadcrumbs.
- Bread the mozzarella. Dip the mozzarella slices in the egg, then the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process 1 more time.
- Freeze. Place the breaded cheese on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or until they’re completely solid).
- Heat the oil. Fill a large skillet halfway with vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F.
- Fry. Remove the breaded mozzarella from the freezer and use tongs to gently place them into the oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Brush with Nashville hot sauce. Remove from the oil and place on a wire cooling rack before brushing the mozzarella with Nashville hot sauce.
- Serve. Serve warm with ranch.
Notes
Storage Instructions:
If you have leftover Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for 4-5 days.
How can I reheat this dish?
Reheat your Nashville hot mozzarella sticks in the air fryer or microwave.
Air fryer (recommended): Add your mozzarella sticks to the basket of your air fryer and cook at 360°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed throughout.
Microwave: Place your mozzarella sticks on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1 minute on high.
Can I make this ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes! You can make these Nashville hot mozzarella sticks ahead of time and freeze them to take out whenever you want to snack. Make as directed and allow the mozzarella sticks to cool. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Transfer the mozzarella sticks to a labeled and dated resealable bag and freeze for 3-4 months. When you’re ready, reheat, brush with Nashville hot sauce, and serve with ranch.
Yes! You can make these Nashville hot mozzarella sticks ahead of time and freeze them to take out whenever you want to snack. Make as directed and allow the mozzarella sticks to cool. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Transfer the mozzarella sticks to a labeled and dated resealable bag and freeze for 3-4 months. When you’re ready, reheat, brush with Nashville hot sauce, and serve with ranch.
