Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks + Quick Homemade Ranch
If you love crispy mozzarella sticks and you’re a fan of Nashville hot chicken, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. I’ve been watching all the viral videos of Chili’s Nashville Hot mozzarella sticks and I just had to give them a try!
This homemade version is a true copycat, made to taste just like the original but even better fresh out of your own kitchen. The key details matter here. These are not skinny string cheese sticks. They’re thick mozzarella planks with a sturdy crust that holds up to frying and a sauce that can be customized from mild to fiery depending on your heat tolerance.
If you’re hosting game day, making Super Bowl snacks, or just craving a nostalgic restaurant favorite, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are guaranteed to be a hit.
Tips For Perfect Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze twice for maximum cheese pull
- Use whole-milk mozzarella for the best melt
- Season every layer (flour, egg and breadcrumbs)
- Salt immediately after frying for maximum flavor
- Keep oil at 350 degrees while frying (hotter = burnt and too cool = greasy)
- Start mild on the cayenne, you can always add more
- Serve immediately for peak stretch and crunch
The Healthiest Oils To Fry With
Not all cooking oils are created equal, especially when it comes to frying. The healthiest oils for frying are those that remain stable at high heat, resist oxidation, and are lower in inflammatory fats. Choosing the right oil not only improves flavor and texture, but also makes a meaningful difference nutritionally.
Best Oils for Frying
- Avocado oil – Extremely heat stable with a high smoke point (around 500°F), rich in monounsaturated fats, and neutral in flavor. One of the best all-purpose oils for frying.
- Refined olive oil – More heat-stable than extra virgin olive oil, with a smoke point around 465°F. A great everyday option that still offers heart-healthy fats.
- Ghee (clarified butter) – High smoke point and naturally lactose-free, with a rich, buttery flavor that works especially well for shallow frying.
- Beef tallow – Traditional and very stable at high heat, making it ideal for savory frying when you want a restaurant-style result.
Oils To Avoid For Frying
- Vegetable oil
- Canola oil
- Corn oil
- Soybean oil
- Grapeseed oil
These oils are higher in omega-6 fats and more prone to oxidation at high temperatures, which can negatively impact both flavor and overall health. Choosing a stable, high-quality oil helps you get crispier results while supporting a more balanced, wellness-focused kitchen.
Favorite Tools & Ingredients
- Digital thermometer – Keeps oil at the ideal temperature for perfectly crisp results
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven – Maintains steady heat while frying
- Stainless Cooling rack – Prevents soggy bottoms by allowing air to circulate
- Pastry brush – Lets you brush on the Nashville hot butter without drenching the breading
- Stainless steel sheet pan – Perfect for freezing mozzarella sticks before cooking
- Organic Smoked paprika – Adds subtle smokiness and depth to the heat
- Organic Cayenne pepper – Allows you to control the spice level from mild to fiery
Perfect For Game Day
These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are spicy, indulgent, and wildly satisfying, the kind of snack people ask for the recipe after one bite. Whether you’re making them for game day, a girls’ night, or just because, they’re guaranteed to steal the show.
Follow along on Instagram for more fun recipes, bold flavors, and crowd-pleasing comfort food with a twist.
Gina
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 16 oz low-moisture whole milk mozzarella block
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1 Tbsp hot sauce optional
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- Neutral oil for frying
Spicy Oil
- ½ tsp to 2 Tbsp cayenne adjust to taste (start with 1/2 tsp)
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup reserved hot oil
Homemade Ranch
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1 Tbsp fresh chives chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Lemon juice to taste
Instructions
Prep The Mozzarella
- Cut mozzarella block into rectangular sticks, about 3½ x 1 inches and ½ inch thick.
- Freeze mozzarella planks for at least 30 minutes to an hour (this is essential to prevent leaking).
Set Up Breading Station:
- Bowl 1: flour
- Bowl 2: eggs whisked with milk + hot sauce
- Bowl 3: panko + smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper
- Dredge each frozen mozzarella plank in flour.
- Dip into egg.
- Coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs (Repeat egg and breadcrumb step for a thicker, Chili’s-style crust)
- Freeze breaded sticks for 30 minutes.
Fry
- Heat oil to 350°F.
- Fry in batches of 2-3 sticks, fry until deeply golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Make Spicy Oil
- In a heatproof bowl, combine cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Using a ladle, very carefully add about 1/2 cup reserved hot oil and stir to combine.
- While the mozzarella sticks are warm brush hot oil on both sides. Serve warm with ranch.
