Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Featured in Appetizing Starters.

Crisp and golden on the outside, soft and melty on the inside—these Nashville hot mozzarella sticks deliver bold, spicy flavor in every bite. After breading and frying, the cheese sticks are tossed with a cayenne-forward, buttery hot coating inspired by classic Nashville heat. Dip them in ranch or blue cheese, and serve with pickles for an authentic Southern twist. Adjust the spice to your taste and enjoy the irresistible combination of gooey cheese wrapped in layers of crunch and heat.

Casey
Updated on Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:59:54 GMT
A plate of cheese sticks. Pin it
A plate of cheese sticks. | cookingwithcasey.com

Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are pure appetizer magic for anyone who loves classic cheese pulls with a spicy Southern twist They come out crispy and golden outside with an oozy mozzarella center that meets a fiery cayenne butter coating Every time I make them they vanish faster than any other finger food at parties

These became a crowd favorite after I first brought them to a game day gathering I was not sure how the heat would go over but everyone kept reaching for seconds

Ingredients

  • Mozzarella string cheese: Select low moisture mozzarella sticks so they hold their shape well during frying
  • All purpose flour: Builds the first dry layer for perfect coating Avoid bleached flour for better flavor
  • Large eggs: Help the breading stick Grab the freshest you can
  • Milk: Loosens the eggs for smooth dipping Use whole milk for richness
  • Seasoned breadcrumbs or panko: Panko gives the crispest result Look for unseasoned panko if you like to season yourself
  • Garlic powder: Adds a savory kick Always check it smells fresh and sharp
  • Salt: Brings out flavor in every layer Use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste
  • Black pepper: Balances the heat from cayenne Use freshly cracked if possible
  • Melted butter or oil: Butter gives richer flavor while oil produces a lighter crispness Use peanut oil for classic frying
  • Cayenne pepper: The fiery star Use fresh ground cayenne for the best punch and adjust amount for your spice comfort
  • Brown sugar: Adds caramel depth and balances out the heat Go for dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses note
  • Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky undertone Spanish smoked paprika has the best scent
  • Chili powder: Layers in complexity Aim for a blend that lists fresh chili first
  • Onion powder: Provides a subtle sweetness and roundness
  • Ground cumin: Lends earthiness Look for cumin with a strong spicy aroma

Step by Step Instructions

Freeze the Cheese Sticks:
Let them chill for half an hour to an hour so they hold together while frying and you get that nice stretchy cheese pull
Make the Breading Stations:
Set up three bowls Flour in one beaten eggs with milk in another and a third with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder salt and black pepper so coating goes quickly and evenly
Coat the Cheese Sticks:
Roll each cheese stick in flour Get it completely covered Dip in the egg mixture and then coat in breadcrumbs Press gently so they stick For best crunch repeat the egg and breadcrumbs step
Freeze Again:
This second chill helps the breading set and keeps cheese from spilling out in the hot oil
Fry to Golden Perfection:
Drop a few sticks into 350 degree oil for just a minute or two Watch for a solid golden crust then scoop out onto paper towels fast to prevent overcooking
Make Nashville Hot Coating:
Mix melted butter or oil with lots of cayenne brown sugar smoked paprika and other spices Blend until smooth and vibrant red
Toss or Brush on the Heat:
Coat fried cheese sticks with spicy sauce right out of the oil for best flavor absorption
A plate of fried cheese sticks. Pin it
A plate of fried cheese sticks. | cookingwithcasey.com

My favorite touch is adding just a pinch more smoked paprika to the butter for an unforgettable aroma My nieces always laugh about how they can barely wait for these to cool before trying

Storage Tips

Cool any leftovers completely before refrigerating Store in an airtight container and reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness They will keep three days at best Freezing is possible but breading can soften on thawing

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want less heat dial back the cayenne or swap for a sweet paprika Gluten free flour and panko work well here too For a different cheese try jack or gouda but mozzarella remains classic

Serving Suggestions

Serve with ranch dressing for cool contrast or blue cheese if you like bold flavors Some crisp dill pickles on the side bring that signature Nashville balance Add a squeeze of lemon for a zesty finish if you like

Cultural Context

Nashville hot flavor started with fried chicken but its spicy sweet savory butter sauce upgrades almost anything Chefs all over now riff on this beloved Southern tradition and these cheese sticks prove it goes way beyond poultry

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent cheese sticks from bursting during frying?

Freezing the breaded cheese sticks before frying helps keep them solid and prevents leaking. Double coating also gives added protection and crunch.

→ Can I bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying?

Yes, baking or air-frying is possible, but deep-frying gives the crispiest exterior and melty texture inside.

→ How spicy are these mozzarella sticks?

The heat level is adjustable. Reduce cayenne pepper for a milder kick, or add more for extra fire.

→ What dips pair best with spicy cheese sticks?

Ranch dressing and blue cheese dip both offer a cooling contrast to the spicy coating. Add pickle slices for a Nashville touch.

→ Can I use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs?

Yes, panko crumbs add extra crunch and hold up well with the spicy coating.

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy cheese sticks coated in fiery Nashville spices with a melty center and bold crunch.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Tasty Snacks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (12 mozzarella sticks)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Mozzarella Sticks

01 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
02 130 grams all-purpose flour
03 2 large eggs
04 30 millilitres whole milk
05 200 grams seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 0.5 teaspoon salt
08 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Nashville Hot Coating

09 120 millilitres melted butter or vegetable oil
10 1.5 tablespoons cayenne pepper
11 1 tablespoon brown sugar
12 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
14 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
15 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
16 0.25 teaspoon ground cumin
17 Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 01

Place mozzarella sticks on a lined tray and freeze for 30–60 minutes until solid to prevent melting during frying.

Step 02

Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour; one with whisked eggs and milk; and one with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper combined.

Step 03

Coat each frozen cheese stick in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and roll in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crunch, repeat egg and breadcrumb coating.

Step 04

Freeze the breaded sticks again for 30 minutes to help maintain structure when frying.

Step 05

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 175°C. Fry sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 06

In a bowl, whisk melted butter or oil with cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt until fully combined.

Step 07

Brush or gently toss the hot, fried mozzarella sticks in the spicy Nashville hot coating until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference.
  2. Double coating delivers an extra crisp texture.
  3. Mozzarella sticks can be baked or air-fried, but deep frying yields the best crunch.
  4. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dip and pickles for an authentic Nashville experience.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Slotted spoon or wire spider
  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking tray
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, milk, butter)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (flour, breadcrumbs)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 23 g
  • Protein: 13 g