Ever had Nashville hot mozzarella sticks? OMG they’re game changers. I’ve been obsessed with these spicy cheese sticks since my first bite at a local joint. The combo of gooey cheese inside and that signature Nashville hot coating outside just hits different. These homemade Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are perfect for game day, parties or just when you’re craving something indulgent. Trust me, once you try these, regular mozzarella sticks will seem boring.
Why You’ll Love These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Making Nashville hot mozzarella sticks at home solves the problem of never getting enough when you order them out. Plus, restaurant versions can be pricey! First time I made these for friends, they couldn’t believe they weren’t from a restaurant. The best part is you can adjust the heat level exactly how you want – make them mild for kids or cranked up if you’re a heat seeker. They go from freezer to table in minutes and work great in the air fryer too.
Ingredients for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
For the Mozzarella Sticks
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese works perfect here, but you can also cut blocks into sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (helps create that initial coating that makes everything else stick)
- 2 large eggs (binds the coating to the cheese)
- 1 cup milk (thins the egg mixture for better coating)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (gives that extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (adds depth without being overwhelming)
- 1 tsp onion powder (works with the garlic for balanced flavor)
- 1 tsp salt (enhances all other flavors)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (adds subtle heat)
For the Nashville Hot Coating
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or the oil from frying)
- 4 tbsp cayenne pepper (this is what gives Nashville hot its signature heat – adjust to your preference)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (the secret to balancing the heat with subtle sweetness)
- 1 tsp paprika (adds color and mild pepper flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (different from the breading, this adds flavor to the coating)
- 1 tsp salt (balances the sweet and heat)
If you’re gluten-free, swap the flour for corn starch and use gluten-free panko. For dairy restrictions, there are vegan mozzarella sticks available now that work surprisingly well!
How to Make Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Step 1: Prep the Cheese
- Unwrap all cheese sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes (this is super important – prevents cheese from melting too fast when cooking)
Step 2: Set Up the Coating Station
- Create your breading station with three bowls
- Bowl 1: Mix flour with 1/2 tsp each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder
- Bowl 2: Whisk eggs and milk together until smooth
- Bowl 3: Combine panko, remaining seasonings and mix well
- Line them up in order for efficient dipping
Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
- Take frozen cheese sticks out a few at a time (keep the rest frozen)
- Roll each stick in flour, coating completely
- Dip in egg mixture, letting excess drip off
- Roll in panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere
- For extra crunchy coating, dip in egg mixture again and re-roll in panko
- Place breaded sticks back on the baking sheet
- Return to freezer for at least 1 hour (don’t skip this step – it’s crucial for preventing cheese leakage)
Step 4: Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Heat oil to 350°F (use a thermometer to check – temp matters here)
- Fry mozzarella sticks in small batches for 30-45 seconds until golden brown
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or the temperature will drop too much
- Watch carefully – they cook fast and can burst if left too long
- Remove with slotted spoon to paper towel-lined plate
Step 5: Make Nashville Hot Coating
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the frying oil (or use fresh oil if baking sticks)
- In a heat-safe bowl, combine hot oil with cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder and salt
- Whisk until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth
- It should be the consistency of a thin paste (add more oil if too thick)
Step 6: Apply the Nashville Hot Coating
- While sticks are still hot, brush them generously with Nashville hot mixture
- For more intense flavor, dip them directly in the mixture
- Serve immediately while cheese is still gooey and coating is warm
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Variations
Honey Nashville Hot
Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the Nashville hot mixture for a sweet heat combo that’s seriously addictive. Drizzle extra honey over finished sticks.
Nashville Hot Ranch
Mix 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning into the breadcrumb mixture. Serve with cold ranch dipping sauce for perfect temperature contrast.
Extra Crispy Nashville Hot
Double-bread your sticks (flour-egg-bread-egg-bread again) and use a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs for maximum crunch factor.
Nashville Hot BBQ Mozzarella Sticks
Add 2 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ rub to the Nashville hot mixture for a smoky-spicy flavor profile that’s amazing.
Air Fryer Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Spray breaded sticks with cooking spray and air fry at 390°F for 6-8 minutes until golden. Toss with Nashville hot mixture after cooking.
Pickle-Brined Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Soak your mozzarella sticks in pickle juice for 30 minutes before breading for a tangy undertone that cuts through the richness.
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Basting brush
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese sticks or string cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Nashville Hot Coating:
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or frying oil
- 4 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
Prep the Cheese
- Unwrap mozzarella sticks and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
Set Up the Coating Station
- In one bowl, mix flour with 1/2 tsp each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a second bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- In a third bowl, combine panko, remaining seasonings, and mix well.
Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
- Take out a few frozen cheese sticks at a time.
- Coat each in flour, then dip in egg mixture, and roll in panko mixture.
- For extra crispiness, repeat egg and panko steps.
- Place back on the baking sheet and freeze for at least 1 hour.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Heat oil to 350°F (use a thermometer for accuracy).
- Fry in small batches for 30-45 seconds until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Make the Nashville Hot Coating
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the frying oil.
- In a heat-safe bowl, mix hot oil, cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Whisk until smooth.
Apply the Nashville Hot Coating
- Brush or dip fried mozzarella sticks in the Nashville hot mixture.
- Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
- Serving Size: 1 mozzarella stick
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Chilis have Nashville hot mozzarella sticks?
Not all Chilis restaurants carry Nashville hot mozzarella sticks. They were initially introduced as a limited-time menu item, but due to popularity, many locations keep them on the menu. Best to call your local Chilis before heading over if you’re specifically craving their Nashville hot mozzarella sticks.
Are the Nashville mozzarella sticks spicy?
Yes, Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are definitely spicy! The signature Nashville hot coating contains cayenne pepper as its main ingredient. However, when making them at home, you can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the cayenne pepper. At restaurants like Chilis, their Nashville hot mozzarella sticks have medium-high heat that builds as you eat them.
Does Applebee’s have 50 mozzarella sticks?
Applebee’s doesn’t offer 50 mozzarella sticks as a regular menu item. They do sometimes run promotions with all-you-can-eat mozzarella sticks or large shareable portions, but not specifically 50 count. They don’t currently offer Nashville hot mozzarella sticks either, making the homemade version your best bet if you want this specific flavor.
How to order Nashville hot mozzarella sticks?
To order Nashville hot mozzarella sticks at Chilis, simply ask for them by name as an appetizer. If you want to adjust the spice level, you can request them “mild” or “extra hot” though availability of these modifications varies by location. When ordering takeout, these are usually listed under appetizers or shareable section on their menu or app.
Is Nashville hot sauce the same as Buffalo?
No, Nashville hot sauce and Buffalo sauce are different. Nashville hot sauce is oil-based with cayenne pepper, brown sugar and spices, creating a dry-ish coating rather than a wet sauce. Buffalo sauce is butter-based with hot sauce (usually Frank’s RedHot), giving it a vinegary tanginess. The Nashville hot coating on mozzarella sticks has a deeper, more complex heat than the bright, acidic heat of Buffalo.
More Easy Appetizer Ideas
If you love these Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, you’ll definitely want to try my Fried Squash recipe which uses a similar breading technique. For another cheesy treat, my Garlic Cheese Bread Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser. Need something substantial? My Classic Lasagna makes a great main course after these spicy appetizers. For a quick snack that kids love, try my English Muffin Pizza recipe too!
Tips for Perfect Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Double-freezing is the secret to preventing cheese leakage
- Oil temperature matters – too hot and they’ll burst, too cool and they’ll get soggy
- Don’t skip the resting time after frying before applying the Nashville hot coating
- Make extra Nashville hot mixture to serve on the side for dipping
- These are best eaten immediately while the contrast between hot coating and gooey center is perfect
Final Thoughts on Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
First time I made these Nashville hot mozzarella sticks was for a football watch party. My buddy who’s from Nashville was skeptical – “those ain’t real Nashville hot” he said before trying them. Two minutes later he was reaching for his third one and asking for the recipe. That’s the thing about these – they take a familiar comfort food and transform it into something exciting without being complicated. Whether you make them extra spicy or tone them down, bake or fry them, these Nashville hot mozzarella sticks bring something special to the table. They’re the perfect balance of familiar and surprising – just like the best recipes always are.