Craving something cheesy with a fiery kick? These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are 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, seasoned breading and finished with a brush 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. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just indulging in a flavorful treat, these mozzarella sticks are guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe

• Bold and Spicy: These mozzarella sticks are not your average appetizer. The Nashville hot sauce brings a fiery kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy, melted cheese inside.
• Crispy Perfection: Double-breaded for an extra crispy outer layer, these mozzarella sticks have the perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese.
• Cool and Creamy Dip: The homemade buttermilk ranch dressing offers a refreshing balance to the heat, making each bite irresistible.
• Great for Entertaining: These mozzarella sticks are sure to impress your guests with their bold flavors and unique twist on a classic favorite.
• Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare and freeze the mozzarella sticks in advance, making it easy to fry them up when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

For the Nashville Hot Sauce

• Unsalted butter, melted
• Cayenne pepper
• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic, fresh minced or powdered
• Salt
• Pepper
• Honey (optional)

For the Buttermilk Ranch

• Mayo
• Sour cream
• Buttermilk
• Dried or fresh chives
• Lemon juice
• Dried or fresh parsley
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sugar

For the Breading

• Breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Pepper
• Salt

For the Mozzarella Sticks

• Mozzarella, cut into 3×2 inch pieces
• Egg
• Water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

Nashville Hot Sauce

1. In a small pot over low heat, combine all the ingredients listed under “Nashville Hot Sauce.”
2. Continuously whisk the mixture until the butter melts completely.
3. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.

Buttermilk Ranch

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients listed under “Buttermilk Ranch.”
2. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
3. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Breading

1. In a separate bowl, mix together all the ingredients listed under “Breading” and set aside.

Assemble

1. Whisk together the egg and water to create a simple egg wash.
2. Dip each piece of mozzarella into the egg wash, then coat it in the seasoned breading.
3. Repeat the process, dipping the mozzarella back into the egg wash and then into the breading again. This double breading ensures an extra crispy outer crust.
4. Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Frying

1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C).
2. Once the mozzarella sticks are solid, carefully slide them into the heated oil.
3. Fry until they turn golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a cooling rack to drain excess oil.

Final Touch

1. While the mozzarella sticks are still warm, brush them generously with the Nashville hot sauce.
2. Serve immediately with a side of the homemade buttermilk ranch dressing.

Storage Suggestions

These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare them ahead of time and freeze the breaded sticks for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, simply fry them straight from the freezer. The buttermilk ranch can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain their crispiness.

Final Thoughts

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.

Print Recipe

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Get ready to turn up the heat with these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks! Imagine the classic cheesy pull of mozzarella sticks, but with a fiery, crispy coating that packs a serious punch. These spicy, golden bites are paired with a cool, creamy homemade ranch dressing, making them the perfect appetizer or snack for those who love a little kick. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving something indulgent, these mozzarella sticks bring the best of bold flavor and comforting crunch.

Prep Time1 minute min

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: mozzarella sticks, nashville hot

Servings: 4 servings

Author: kingcooks

Ingredients

• 1 lb mozzarella cut into 3×2 inch pieces
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp water
• Vegetable oil for frying

Breading

• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

Nashville Hot Sauce

• 1/2 cup melted butter unsalted
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic fresh minced or powdered
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp honey optional

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 tsp chives dried or fresh
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp parsley dried or fresh
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions

Nashville Hot Sauce

• In a small pot over low heat, add all ingredients listed under “Nashville Hot Sauce.” Continuously whisk until the butter melts and allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

• In a bowl, add all ingredients listed under “Buttermilk Ranch Dressing” and mix until thoroughly combined. Set in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Breading

• In a bowl mix together all ingredients listed under “Breading” and set aside.

Assemble

• Whisk together egg and water to create a simple egg wash.
• Take the prepared mozzarella cheese and coat in the egg wash mixture. Then into the seasoned breading.
• Return to the egg wash and finally another dip into the breading. The double breading will insure an impeccable outter crust.
• Place on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
• Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan over medium high heat. You want to reach a temperature of 350F.
• Once the mozzarella sticks are solid, gently slide them into the heated oil and fry until golden brown. This should take 2-3 minutes to achieve.
• When cooked, transfer to a cooling rack and brush on the Nashville hot sauce.
• Serve with a side of homemade ranch dressing and enjoy!