If you love classic mozzarella sticks but want the kind of bold, crave-worthy flavor that wakes up your taste buds,
They’re crispy, melty, and coated in a fiery Nashville-style hot seasoning—then finished with that signature
spicy oil “painted” over the crust for maximum heat and flavor.This recipe brings together two comfort-food icons: gooey cheese pulls and Nashville hot spice.
The key is technique—freeze the cheese, double-coat the breading, and fry (or air fry) until golden.
Then comes the fun part: the hot oil glaze that transforms them from standard mozzarella sticks into
a spicy, addictive appetizer worthy of game day, parties, or late-night cravings.
Introduction:
Nashville hot flavor is famous for its heat, smoky paprika notes, and slightly sweet, spicy edge.
Traditionally, fried chicken is brushed with a spicy oil mixture after frying. That same method works beautifully
on mozzarella sticks: the crust absorbs the spicy glaze without making the cheese run, and you get a perfect
balance of crunch, heat, and melty comfort.
The number one issue with homemade mozzarella sticks is cheese leakage. That’s why freezing and double breading
matters. Your goal is to create a sturdy shell that crisps quickly while the inside turns molten.
After that, the Nashville hot glaze is the final upgrade—brush it on, serve immediately, and watch them vanish.
Ingredients:
Makes 12–16 mozzarella sticks (depending on size).
Cheese
- Mozzarella string cheese: 12 sticks (or block mozzarella cut into sticks)
Breading Station
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125 g)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk or buttermilk: 2 tbsp
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups
- Italian breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (or use all panko)
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onion powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
For Frying (or Air Frying)
- Neutral oil: for frying (vegetable/canola) OR cooking spray for air fryer
Nashville Hot Glaze
- Butter: 4 tbsp (melted)
- Cayenne pepper: 1 1/2 to 2 tbsp (adjust to heat)
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Smoked paprika: 2 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Chili powder: 1 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Optional hot sauce: 1 tbsp (for extra tang + heat)
For Serving
- Marinara sauce: classic dip
- Ranch or blue cheese: cooling dip
- Pickles: optional, Nashville-inspired side
Heat note: Nashville hot is meant to be spicy. Start with 1 tbsp cayenne for medium heat,
then increase if you want it fiery.
