Featured in: Small Bites and Starters
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly gooey — these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks deliver the perfect balance of fiery heat, cheesy indulgence, and cooling ranch bliss. Each bite is double-breaded for an extra crunch, glazed in buttery cayenne-spiked Nashville sauce, and paired with creamy homemade buttermilk ranch to tame the spice. Whether you’re hosting game night, a party spread, or just craving bold comfort food, these sticks bring that Southern heat straight to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under an hour (including chill time!)
- The ultimate cheesy pull with a crispy, golden crust
- Nashville hot sauce adds irresistible spicy-sweet depth
- Cooling buttermilk ranch balances every fiery bite
- Fun, shareable, and guaranteed crowd-pleaser
I still remember the first time I brushed the hot butter sauce over the fresh-fried sticks — that glossy, spicy sheen was pure magic. My friends practically dove for the plate! From that moment on, these became our go-to snack for every game night.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 450 g mozzarella, cut into 7.5 × 5 cm sticks
- 1 large egg
- 15 ml water
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
Breading
- 200 g breadcrumbs (panko recommended for crunch)
- 5 g garlic powder
- 5 g onion powder
- 5 g dried oregano
- 5 g ground black pepper
- 2.5 g salt
Nashville Hot Sauce
- 115 g unsalted butter, melted
- 8 g cayenne pepper (adjust for spice tolerance)
- 13 g brown sugar
- 2.5 g smoked paprika
- 5 g minced garlic or garlic powder
- 5 g salt
- 5 g ground black pepper
- 7 g honey (optional, for balanced sweetness)
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- 120 g mayonnaise
- 120 g sour cream
- 120 ml buttermilk
- 4 g chives, fresh or dried
- 5 ml lemon juice
- 2 g parsley, dried or fresh
- 2.5 g onion powder
- 2.5 g garlic powder
- 5 g salt
- 2.5 g ground black pepper
- 2.5 g sugar
Instructions
1. Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine melted butter, cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey. Whisk continuously until smooth. Let it gently simmer for 1–2 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Buttermilk Ranch
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, herbs, lemon juice, and seasonings until smooth. Chill while you prep the rest — it thickens beautifully as it sits.
3. Mix the Breading
In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Coat the Cheese
Whisk egg with water in a second bowl. Dip each mozzarella stick in egg wash, roll through the breadcrumb mixture, then repeat both steps for a double coat — that’s the key to crunch!
5. Freeze Firm
Lay coated cheese sticks on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures they hold their shape and don’t burst while frying.
6. Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat 5 cm of oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 175°C (350°F). Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes, turning if needed, until deeply golden. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
7. Brush with Nashville Heat
While still hot, generously brush the fried mozzarella sticks with warm Nashville Hot Sauce. The spicy butter seeps into the crispy crust for incredible flavor.
8. Serve with Cool Ranch
Pile high on a platter and serve immediately with chilled buttermilk ranch for dipping. Expect them to vanish fast!
You Must Know
- Freeze before frying — it’s non-negotiable for perfect texture.
- The double breading ensures extra crunch and prevents leaking.
- Homemade ranch brings a cool, tangy finish that balances the spice.
I love watching the golden sauce melt into the crumb coating — it’s that irresistible “hot meets cool” contrast that makes these unforgettable.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
- Milder version: Use Monterey Jack instead of mozzarella.
- Gluten-free: Try gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Lighter option: Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 6–8 minutes, flipping once.
- Vegan-friendly: Use plant-based cheese and dairy-free butter.
Serving Ideas
These spicy mozzarella sticks are perfect for:
- Party platters alongside fried pickles or chicken tenders
- A bold appetizer for BBQs or tailgates
- A comforting movie-night snack with cold lemonade or sweet tea
Pro Tips
- Always check your oil temp — 175°C is the sweet spot for a crisp crust without greasy residue.
- Work in batches so the oil stays hot and consistent.
- Brush on the hot sauce immediately after frying so it soaks in beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ How spicy are these mozzarella sticks?
The spice level depends on your cayenne — start with less if you prefer milder heat.
→ Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 220°C (425°F) for about 10 minutes, turning halfway through.
→ Can I make them ahead?
Absolutely. Bread and freeze up to 2 weeks ahead. Fry straight from frozen.
→ What’s the secret to that perfect cheese pull?
Use low-moisture mozzarella and keep your sticks ice-cold before frying.
Storage & Reheating
Cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container with parchment between layers for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until crisp again.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 370 | Fat: 26g | Carbs: 18g | Protein: 14g
Share the Love ❤️
If you try these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, I’d love to hear from you!
Leave a comment, rate the recipe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, or share your cheesy creations on Pinterest — tag me so I can see your spicy snack masterpiece!
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