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.