These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks combine crispy, golden breading with the rich, gooey texture of melted cheese inside. The fiery Nashville hot sauce adds an irresistible spicy kick, making each bite a bold flavor explosion.
Whether served as an appetizer for a dinner party or as a snack during game day, these mozzarella sticks are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The spicy heat from the sauce balances perfectly with the creamy cheese, offering a delicious contrast that’s both comforting and exciting. For an extra twist, pair them with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cool and creamy dip.
Full Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 12 mozzarella sticks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Nashville Hot Sauce:
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- In one bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk the egg with buttermilk.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each mozzarella stick first in the flour mixture, then in the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- For the Nashville hot sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Adjust the heat to taste by adding more cayenne if desired.
- Brush the hot sauce generously over the fried mozzarella sticks.
- Serve immediately with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 330 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Background of Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a mouthwatering fusion of classic comfort food and bold, spicy flavors that are quintessential to Nashville cuisine. Nashville is renowned for its hot chicken, a spicy fried chicken dish that packs a punch with its fiery, flavorful heat. This recipe takes the famous Nashville hot sauce and applies it to mozzarella sticks, giving them an irresistible twist. The result is a crispy, cheesy delight with an extra layer of heat from the Nashville sauce, making them a perfect snack for anyone who loves a little spice with their cheese.
The inspiration behind Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks comes from the beloved tradition of Nashville hot chicken, which is known for its unique seasoning blend of cayenne pepper, garlic, and paprika. By combining this bold flavor profile with the familiar, comforting mozzarella stick, this recipe takes classic fried cheese to a whole new level. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a snack for movie night, or looking for an exciting appetizer for your next dinner party, Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are sure to be the star of the show.
Why This Recipe is the Best
- Perfect Balance of Heat and Cheese
One of the reasons Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a fan favorite is the incredible balance of heat and cheese. The crispy, golden breading on the outside gives a satisfying crunch, while the gooey, melty mozzarella inside provides a creamy, cheesy contrast. The addition of Nashville hot sauce adds a spicy, savory kick that’s perfectly balanced with the richness of the cheese. This balance makes the dish crave-worthy and ensures that each bite is packed with flavor, making it the ideal snack for those who enjoy spicy foods without sacrificing the comfort of cheese.
- Crispy and Crunchy Texture
The exterior of these mozzarella sticks is key to their appeal. By coating the cheese in a seasoned flour mixture, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, you ensure that the mozzarella sticks have a crispy, golden-brown exterior that perfectly complements the rich, melted cheese on the inside. The crispy texture contrasts with the gooey cheese, making for a satisfying and indulgent bite. Whether you’re enjoying them solo or dipping them in a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing, the crunch of these mozzarella sticks will leave you wanting more.
- Customization for Spice Level
One of the great things about Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks is the ability to customize the spice level to your personal taste. The Nashville hot sauce recipe provided is flexible, and you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and paprika to make the sauce as hot or mild as you’d like. Whether you prefer a little heat or enjoy the full blast of Nashville-style spice, this recipe allows you to tailor the flavor to suit your preferences. For those who like it extra spicy, you can even add more hot sauce or top the sticks with additional chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Perfect for Any Occasion
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, having a casual get-together with friends, or simply enjoying a late-night snack, these mozzarella sticks are a great choice. They are also a fantastic appetizer for a larger meal or served as a fun, shareable snack. The bold flavor of the Nashville hot sauce makes these mozzarella sticks stand out at any gathering, and they are sure to impress your guests.
- Easy to Prepare at Home
While Nashville hot chicken may seem intimidating to prepare, Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients—mozzarella sticks, flour, breadcrumbs, egg, and the seasoning for the hot sauce—you can create these delicious treats in under 30 minutes. The frying process is quick, and the result is golden, crispy mozzarella sticks with a spicy flair. The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Great for Sharing
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a great choice for parties and social gatherings. Their finger-food nature makes them perfect for sharing, and they are sure to be a hit with anyone who enjoys bold flavors. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a snack, or a fun appetizer, they’re easy to portion out and serve to a crowd. The crunchy exterior and spicy kick make them a fun and memorable addition to any event.
Health Benefits of Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
While this recipe may not be considered “healthy” in the traditional sense, it does have a few health benefits that can make it a slightly better choice when compared to other fried snacks:
- Protein from Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. It’s also high in calcium, which supports bone health. The cheese helps make the mozzarella sticks a more filling snack, ensuring that you stay satisfied longer.
- Cayenne Pepper Benefits
The star of Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks is the spicy Nashville hot sauce, which includes cayenne pepper. Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a compound known for its potential health benefits. Studies suggest that capsaicin can boost metabolism, help with digestion, and may even promote fat loss. Adding cayenne pepper to your diet may also help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
- Customizable Ingredients
One of the best parts about this recipe is the ability to adjust the ingredients to suit your needs. You can opt for a healthier frying oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, and even bake the mozzarella sticks for a lower-fat alternative. While the traditional fried version is undeniably delicious, you can experiment with cooking methods to make this recipe fit into your dietary preferences.
Conclusion
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy goodness and fiery heat, making them an ideal snack for those who love bold flavors. The combination of gooey mozzarella, a crispy exterior, and spicy Nashville hot sauce will satisfy your craving for comfort food while adding an exciting twist to your usual mozzarella stick recipe. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as a snack, or looking for a fun dish to try with friends, these spicy mozzarella sticks are sure to impress and leave everyone coming back for more.
The best part is that this recipe is easy to make at home, customizable to suit your spice preferences, and perfect for any occasion. So next time you’re in the mood for a snack that’s both comforting and exciting, give these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks a try—they’re guaranteed to become your new favorite dish!