When brushed onto mozzarella sticks:
The crust soaks up the spicy glaze
The cheese stays cool and creamy inside
The contrast of heat and cool is addictive
It’s the perfect balance:
Spicy
Slightly sweet
Savory
And so satisfying.
🧀 Ingredients (Makes 16–20 Sticks)
For the Mozzarella & Breading:
Fresh mozzarella, cut into 3x½x2 inch sticks
1 lb (use block, not pre-sliced)
All-purpose flour
½ cup (for dredging)
Eggs
2 large
Water
1 tbsp (to thin egg wash)
Breadcrumbs (Italian-seasoned or panko)
2 cups
Garlic powder
1 tsp
Onion powder
1 tsp
Paprika
½ tsp
Salt
½ tsp
✅ Pro Tip: Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes before breading — prevents melting during frying.
For the Nashville Hot Glaze:
Melted butter
¼ cup
Cayenne pepper
2–3 tbsp (adjust for heat)
Brown sugar
1 tsp
Garlic powder
½ tsp
Paprika
½ tsp
Honey or maple syrup (optional)
½ tsp (for balance)
Hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
1 tsp (optional, for tang)
For Serving:
Ranch dressing
Classic cooling contrast
Blue cheese dip
Bold and creamy
Garlic aioli
Rich and garlicky
Extra Nashville glaze
For double heat lovers
🍤 Step-by-Step: How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Step 1: Prep the Cheese
Cut mozzarella block into 16–20 uniform sticks (3” long, ½” thick)
Place on a parchment-lined tray
Freeze for 30 minutes — this keeps them intact during frying
Step 2: Bread the Sticks (Triple Coating for Extra Crunch)
Set up three bowls:
Bowl 1: Flour
Bowl 2: Whisked eggs + 1 tbsp water
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs + garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt
Roll each stick in flour (shake off excess)
Dip in egg wash
Roll in breadcrumbs — press gently to adhere
Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coat (optional, for extra crunch)
Place back on tray and chill 10 minutes
Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C)
Fry sticks in batches 1–2 minutes, until golden and crisp
Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels — keeps them crisp)
✅ Don’t overcrowd — fry 3–4 at a time.
Step 4: Glaze with Nashville Hot Sauce
In a small bowl, mix melted butter with cayenne, brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, and optional honey/hot sauce
Brush generously over hot mozzarella sticks
Serve immediately — while the cheese is molten and the glaze is fiery
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Arrange on a platter
Serve with cooling dips on the side
Watch them disappear in under 5 minutes
✅ Air fryer option: Spray breaded sticks with oil and air fry at 400°F for 6–8 mins. Glaze after.
🧑🍳 Pro Tips for the Best Sticks Every Time
Freeze the cheese
Prevents leaks and melting
Double breadcrumb coat
Extra crunch, better hold
Use a wire rack
Prevents sogginess
Glaze while hot
Helps the sauce stick
Make ahead
Bread and freeze uncooked sticks for up to 1 month
Also, try using provolone or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
🍽️ Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Appetizer Isn’t Just Cheesy — It’s Spicy, Too
We love mozzarella sticks for their simplicity.
Their crunch.
Their gooey center.
But the best version?
It’s the one that wakes up your taste buds — with heat, flavor, and a little Southern fire.
So next time you’re feeding a crowd…
Don’t just fry cheese.
Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks.
Because sometimes, the difference between “yum” and “OH MY GOD”…
Isn’t in the cheese.
It’s in the glaze.
And once you try this?
You’ll wonder how you ever ate them plain.