Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Bold, spicy, and cheesy—these Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are perfectly crunchy on the outside with melty cheese and a fiery glaze that packs flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (16 mozzarella sticks)
- Category: Snacks & Appetizers
- Method: Deep-Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
→ Mozzarella Sticks
1 pound whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into sticks (approx. 3 inches x 1/2 inch)
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 freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Avocado oil, for deep frying
→ 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 to 3 tablespoons hot sauce
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Slice mozzarella into sticks approximately 3 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
Set up dredging station:
Bowl 1: all-purpose flour
Bowl 2: whisked eggs
Bowl 3: breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
Coat each stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
Place breaded sticks on a tray and freeze for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
Heat 2 inches of avocado oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C).
Fry sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes, until golden and crispy. Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together all Nashville glaze ingredients until fully combined.
Toss or dip the fried mozzarella sticks in the glaze. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing, if desired.
Notes
Freezing the sticks helps prevent cheese leakage when frying.
Adjust cayenne and hot sauce levels in the glaze based on spice preference.
Panko adds extra crunch—don’t skip it!
Find it online: https://elladishes.com/crispy-nashville-hot-mozzarella-sticks/
