Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick

Craving something cheesy, spicy, and savory at the same time? This Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick is just what you need! Imagine the classic mozzarella sticks you love but with a bold, spicy twist that takes them to the next level.

Coated in a crispy, and brushed of Nashville hot sauce, each bite delivers that perfect balance of heat and comfort. Paired with a creamy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing, these mozzarella sticks are the ultimate appetizer or snack for spice lovers.

You can swap the Nashville hot sauce with my Homemade Creole Seasoning!

I’ve always loved the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks because they’re spicy, cheesy, and just the right kind of indulgent. These snacks are the bomb. By the way, this Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick is inspired by Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks.

If you’ve been scrolling through foodie social media lately, you’ve probably seen these fiery, crunchy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick taking over since Chili’s added them to the menu. Ready to bring the heat? So, In this blog post, I’ll guide you through making the perfect mozzarella sticks at home,

The Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a bold twist on the classic snack, blending gooey melted cheese with the intense flavors of Nashville hot sauce. These sticks are fried to golden perfection. After frying, they’re tossed or brushed with a spicy sauce made from cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic, and brown sugar mixed into melted butter or frying oil. The result is a flavorful kick balanced by the creamy cheese interior.

For a finishing touch, these mozzarella sticks are often served with a cool, tangy buttermilk ranch dressing, enhancing the balance of heat and creaminess. Of course, this recipe is perfect as an appetizer for parties or a satisfying game-day snack.

Why You’ll Crave Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick

• Cheesy with a Fiery Kick: Enjoy the classic comfort of mozzarella sticks, now upgraded with bold, spicy Nashville hot flavors that pack a punch!
• Homemade Twist on a Classic: Inspired by the iconic Chili’s version, these mozzarella sticks bring the Nashville hot experience straight to your kitchen.
• Bold Heat, Creamy Delight: These aren’t your average mozzarella sticks. The fiery Nashville hot sauce creates a sizzling kick that complements the rich, melty cheese inside.
• Double the Crispiness: With a crispy, golden exterior, the double-breaded coating contrasts beautifully with the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cheese.
• Cooling Creamy Dip: Paired with a tangy homemade buttermilk ranch dressing, every bite balances the heat with a refreshing, creamy finish.
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a game day snack or a party appetizer, these mozzarella sticks will impress your guests with their bold flavors and addictive crunch.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare and freeze them ahead of time—then just fry them up when you’re ready to enjoy hot, crispy perfection.

These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a game-changer for anyone who loves a little spice in their snacks. The combination of gooey cheese, crispy breading, and spicy hot sauce is nothing short of addictive. Paired with the cool, creamy buttermilk ranch, they create the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next gathering or just craving something bold and delicious, these mozzarella sticks are sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients of Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick

Mozzarella Stick

• Mozzarella Cheese; What is Nashville hot mozzarella stick without the mozzarella cheese ingredient? This is the star of the show. You can use whole milk string cheese for the best melt. Also, Buy pre-cut sticks or slice a block of mozzarella into sticks. providing the gooey, stretchy center. Block mozzarella is preferred, as it’s easier to cut into sticks.
• Egg; Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumbs.
• Water; Forms an egg wash that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the cheese for an even coating.
• Breadcrumbs; For extra crispiness. Italian breadcrumbs work as an alternative.
• Seasoning I use Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper; To taste and enhance the overall profile.

Nashville Hot Sauce

• Reserved Fry Oil; You can also use melted butter, but I prefer reserved fry oil.
• Ground Cayenne Pepper; Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. The primary heat source, giving the sauce its signature Nashville spice
• Smoked Paprika; Use smoked paprika for added depth.
• Chili Powder; Optional, for more layered heat. Contributes additional layers of spice and warmth.
• Brown Sugar; Adds sweetness to balance the heat.
• Garlic Powder;  Boosts the umami and savory elements of the sauce and enhances the flavor
• Salt

Ranch Dressing

• Mayonnaise and Greek Yogurt; Form the creamy, tangy base of the dressing, balancing the heat from the hot sauce.
• Milk or Buttermilk; Thins the dressing to the desired consistency while adding a mild tang.
• Fresh Chives finely chopped; Add a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• Italian Herbs; I think the characteristic of ranch dressing is a lot of thymes right? So Italian herbs Enhance the dressing with a mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• White Vinegar or Fresh Lemon Juice; I use fresh lemon juice, but white vinegar is totally fine. Both of them are used to add acidity for brightness and balance.
• Seasoning Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper; Add spice and flavor to give the dressing a savory and aromatic boost.
• By the way, you can also buy instant ranch dressing if you have a short time. Feel free to choose!

How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick

Mozzarella Sticks

First thing first, cut mozzarella cheese into 3×2 inches and set aside. Whisk together egg and water in a medium mixing bowl.

Secondly, On a plate, mix together breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Then, dip each mozzarella stick into the egg wash, then coat it in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat the process by dipping the stick back into the egg wash and giving it a second breadcrumb coating.

Next, arrange the coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 1 hour to firm up and prevent the cheese from leaking during frying.

Ranch Dressing

Start by preparing a medium mixing bowl, then combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, milk or buttermilk, fresh chives, Italian herbs, white vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Lastly, stir until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Nashville Hot Sauce

In a pan fry, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Fry the mozzarella sticks until both sides are nice and golden.

Then, Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a cooling rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.

Now, in a heatproof bowl, combine the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Carefully pour in the hot oil used for frying the mozzarella sticks, stirring until the spices dissolve and the oil is evenly mixed.

Then, using a brush, generously coat the fried mozzarella sticks on all sides with the Nashville hot oil. Arrange them on a serving plate.

Finally, serve the spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick with the chilled ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat, crunch, and creamy coolness!

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