How to Make Nashville Mozzarella Sticks

If you’re like me and can’t resist the allure of mozzarella sticks AND a spicy kick, this recipe is going to change your snack game. Inspired by the viral Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks I kept seeing online, I figured why not recreate these beauties at home—no need to drive out to a restaurant when you can bring all the heat (and cheese pulls) to your kitchen.

This mashup of Southern spice and gooey mozzarella goodness combines crispy-fried cheese sticks with a smoky Nashville hot sauce that’ll have you sweating in the best way possible. Trust me, this is one of those appetizers that’ll disappear within minutes at any gathering. And if you’re a fan of heat, oh, you’re in for a real treat.

A Quick Nashville Discovery (and Why I’m Obsessed)

So, I’ll admit—I’ve never actually had the Chili’s version of Nashville hot mozzarella sticks (gasp!). But who needs that when you can make them at home, right? I’ve been working on perfecting the balance between crispy coating, gooey cheese, and that fiery Nashville sauce, and let’s just say my household is officially hooked.

Funny thing is, I used to think mozzarella sticks were best left plain and simple. But the marriage of mozzarella with the smoky heat of chipotle and cayenne is a game-changer. It’s a spicy upgrade that adds so much flavor without overpowering the cheese. I even convinced my spice-hating friend to try them, and let’s just say, we both agreed these are 100% New Year’s Eve party material.

Let’s Talk Cheese Pulls & the Perfect Coating

First off, the cheese. You want to go for thick-cut mozzarella slices—no pre-shredded stuff here. When fried right, you get those glorious cheese pulls that make all the deep-frying worth it. The coating? We’re talking seasoned breadcrumbs that are crispy enough to hold up to all the sauces without losing their crunch.

Now, before you get started, don’t skip the freezer step. This is crucial to keeping that cheese intact while frying. Otherwise, you’ll end up with mozzarella puddles (not cute, I promise).

The real star of the show is the Nashville hot sauce. The combination of cayenne, smoked paprika, and chipotle chili gives it that signature punch. Adjust the spice to your taste (4 tablespoons of cayenne for mild, 8 if you’re feeling bold!). I like to mix the sauce with some of the hot oil used for frying—sounds wild, but it makes the sauce cling to the mozzarella sticks perfectly.

If you’re not into ultra-spicy food, no worries. You can cut the heat with some buffalo sauce or even skip the chipotle if you want a milder version.

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 block mozzarella cheese (cut into ½-inch thick sticks)
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
• 3 eggs, beaten
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley (for seasoning)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 1½ cups honey
• 1 cup chicken broth

Nashville Hot Seasoning

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4-8 tablespoons cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice level)
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon celery salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1½ tablespoons chipotle chili powder
• 2 teaspoons black pepper

Instructions

1. Prep Your Mozzarella Sticks

• Cut your mozzarella cheese into thick slices (about ½ inch thick).
• In a bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and parsley.
• In a separate bowl, mix the flour with more salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Beat 3 eggs in another bowl.

2. Coat & Freeze

• Dip each mozzarella stick into the flour, followed by the egg wash, and then into the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat this process again for an extra-thick coating.
• Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for at least 1 hour. This ensures they don’t melt all over when frying.

3. Fry ‘Em Up

• Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or cast-iron skillet to 350°F.
• Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches, 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
• Drain on paper towels.

The Sauces

Honey Chipotle Sauce

• Blend 1 can of chipotle peppers in adobo, 1½ cups honey, and 1 cup chicken broth until smooth.
• Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a saucepan and add the honey chipotle mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Nashville Hot Sauce

• In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of the Nashville seasoning blend with 1 cup of the hot frying oil from your mozzarella sticks. Mix well until smooth.

Once your mozzarella sticks are crispy and golden, toss them in the honey chipotle sauce, or if you’re feeling brave, the Nashville hot sauce. Or heck, go wild and do both!

If you prefer a little less sauce, you can brush it on with a pastry brush instead of dunking. Either way, these are best served hot with a side of ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.