Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together the irresistible combination of spicy heat and creamy cheese. The Nashville hot seasoning adds a smoky, spicy punch to the crispy breadcrumb coating, while the buttermilk ranch dipping sauce cools everything off perfectly. Plus, these mozzarella sticks are easy to prepare ahead and freeze before frying, so I can have a batch ready to go whenever the craving hits.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese, unwrapped and halved if preferred)

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon Nashville hot seasoning or cayenne pepper blend

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Buttermilk Ranch (Optional):

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sour cream

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. I start by placing the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes until firm.

2. In one bowl, I mix buttermilk and hot sauce. I set up three more bowls with flour, whisked eggs, and a seasoned breadcrumb mixture made by combining breadcrumbs, Nashville hot seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.

3. I dredge each frozen stick first in flour, then dip it in the egg, followed by the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, I double-dip the sticks in egg and breadcrumbs once more.

4. After coating, I return the mozzarella sticks to the freezer for another 15 minutes to set and prevent the cheese from melting too fast during frying.

5. I heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).

6. I fry the sticks in batches for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then drain them on paper towels.

7. For the ranch dipping sauce, I whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth and chill until ready to serve.

8. I serve the hot, crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks alongside the buttermilk ranch for dipping.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including chilling)
Calories per serving: 290 kcal

Variations

• I swap Nashville hot seasoning for regular cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a different heat profile.

• Using panko breadcrumbs adds an extra crispy texture.

• I sometimes add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

• For a dairy-free option, I use vegan cheese sticks and dairy-free ranch dressing.

• Adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or chives to the ranch gives it a fresh twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftover fried mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
To reheat, I prefer to use an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving tends to make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I prepare the mozzarella sticks ahead of time?

Yes, I freeze them after breading and fry directly from frozen for best results.

How do I prevent cheese from leaking out while frying?

Freezing the coated sticks thoroughly before frying helps keep the cheese contained.

What oil is best for frying?

I use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for their high smoke points.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can bake them at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, but they won’t be as crispy as fried.

What’s a good alternative dipping sauce?

Ranch is classic, but blue cheese, spicy mayo, or even honey mustard work great too.

Conclusion

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are a fiery, crunchy, and gooey snack that perfectly balances heat and creaminess. They’re easy to make ahead and a total crowd-pleaser whether I’m hosting a party or just craving a spicy comfort food fix. The cool buttermilk ranch makes every bite even better, making this recipe a must-try for any cheese and spice lover.