Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

If there’s a way to make your next game night or weekend get-together truly unforgettable, it’s with Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks. Imagine pulling apart molten mozzarella, beautifully encased in a crunchy, golden crust that’s kissed with just enough heat to keep you reaching for more. These fiery, melty bites are comfort food on a whole new level, offering that perfect pull and bold Southern kick all in one irresistible snack. Friends and family will beg you for the recipe, and honestly, you’ll want to make them every chance you get!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the essentials couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient here has a distinct role in making these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks totally crave-worthy. From the creamy cheese to the spiced-up breading, every component brings something special to the table.

• 1 lb mozzarella, cut into 3×2 inch pieces: Choose a firm block style mozzarella for that iconic cheese pull and structural integrity during frying.
• 1 egg: This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese, creating a strong, crispy coating that locks in all the gooey magic.
• 1 tbsp water: A splash of water with the egg makes the wash smooth, ensuring even coverage and the crispiest results.
• Vegetable oil, for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point so your sticks fry up beautifully golden without any burnt flavors.
• 2 cups breadcrumbs: These give you that signature crunch and help soak up the delicious spicy butter later on (if you go full Nashville hot style!).
• 1 tsp garlic powder: A pinch goes a long way, infusing the breading with savory depth and a burst of flavor in every bite.

How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Prepare the Egg Wash

Start by cracking the egg into a medium bowl, add the tablespoon of water, and whisk them together until well combined. This mixture creates a sticky surface for the breadcrumbs to hold onto, making each bite extra crispy and delicious.

Step 2: Coat the Cheese

Take each of your mozzarella pieces and dip them into the egg wash, making sure every side is coated. Next, roll them into your breadcrumb and garlic powder mixture, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs stick. For the ultimate Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks experience, double-dip each stick by repeating the egg wash and breading steps—this makes the crust even crunchier and prevents any cheese from escaping in the fryer.

Step 3: Freeze

Arrange the breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a tray. Pop the tray into the freezer for at least an hour. This crucial step guarantees that the cheese doesn’t melt and ooze out during frying, keeping all that cheesy goodness sealed inside a crispy shell.

Step 4: Heat Oil

While your sticks are chilling, fill a large, heavy pot or deep fryer with vegetable oil. Heat it up to 350°F (175°C)—using a thermometer helps ensure the oil is just right for that irresistibly crisp exterior. If the oil’s too cool, you’ll end up with soggy sticks, and too hot means burnt outsides with cold, unmelted cheese.

Step 5: Fry

Fry the sticks in small batches, just 1–2 minutes per batch. Watch as they turn a perfect golden brown, promising gooey cheese inside. Keep a close eye on them, as they cook up fast. Overcrowding the fryer will drop the temperature and ruin the crispiness, so be patient and work in stages.

Step 6: Drain & Serve

Use a slotted spoon to lift the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks out of the oil, then let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve them piping hot with your favorite dipping sauce—think classic marinara, creamy ranch, or even a spicy Nashville hot butter for that true Southern touch.

How to Serve Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation, sprinkle your Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks with a dusting of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Add a few sliced scallions, chopped chives, or fresh parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness that balances the spicy kick.

Side Dishes

Pair these cheesy, spicy wonders with cooling options like a crisp celery and carrot slaw, creamy ranch dressing, or a side of pickles to tame the heat. If you’re going for a full spread, offer them alongside classic Southern favorites such as coleslaw or potato wedges.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks high on a rustic wooden board for sharing, or nestle them in a lined basket with individual cups of dipping sauce. Want to go the extra mile? Serve skewered sticks upright in a mason jar for a fun, party-ready centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any leftovers, let the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—though odds are they’ll disappear before then!

Freezing

The best part about this recipe? You can freeze the breaded, uncooked sticks for up to a month. Lay them out on a tray to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. From there, fry them straight from the freezer, just adding an extra 30 seconds or so to the cook time.

Reheating

To bring leftover Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks back to life, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until hot and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Microwaving isn’t recommended—it leaves the coating soggy and the cheese rubbery, which nobody wants!

FAQs

Can I use string cheese instead of mozzarella blocks?

Absolutely! String cheese is a handy shortcut, as it’s already portioned and has a great melt. Just make sure to freeze the breaded sticks before frying to avoid cheese leaks.

What makes these sticks “Nashville hot”?

While the classic recipe skips the oil-and-spice dunk typical of Nashville hot chicken, you can toss your fried sticks in melted butter mixed with cayenne, paprika, and brown sugar for authentic Southern heat. The base recipe lets you customize the spice level to your liking.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can! Place your breaded sticks on a parchment-lined tray, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. They may not brown as deeply but will still be delicious and gooey.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

For the sturdiest crust, do a double dip: after the first breadcrumb coat, return the sticks to the egg wash and bread them again. Also, freezing them before frying helps the breading stick and prevents cheese leakage.

What dipping sauces pair best with Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks?

Besides classic marinara, try creamy ranch, blue cheese dip, spicy sriracha mayo, or even honey mustard. If you want to go extra bold, mix up a Nashville hot butter for dipping and drizzle a bit over the sticks.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a snack that’s guaranteed to steal the show, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks always deliver. Give them a try and prepare for melty, spicy goodness—your tastebuds will thank you!