Get ready to elevate your game day spread with these Spicy Mozzarella Sticks! Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with bold Nashville hot flavors, these cheesy delights are the perfect game day recipe to impress your guests.
Whether you’re hosting a sports night or just craving a fiery snack, these mozzarella sticks will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Game Day Recipe
- Cheesy & Spicy – Classic mozzarella sticks infused with Nashville hot goodness for an irresistible bite.
- Extra Crispy Coating – Double-dipped breading ensures a crunchy golden crust.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor – Inspired by the famous Chili’s version, but even better homemade!
- Perfect for Sharing – A crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs well with dips and drinks.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Freeze Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 623 kcal per serving
What You’ll Need
Equipment:
- Cutting board & knife
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow bowls
- Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
- Wire rack
- Small saucepan
- Tongs
Ingredients:
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 1 lb whole milk mozzarella cheese, sliced into sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Avocado oil (for frying)
For the Nashville Hot Glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp hot sauce
- Salt to taste
How to Make Spicy Mozzarella Sticks
1: Prep the Cheese
Slice the mozzarella block into thick, rectangular sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick).
2: Set Up Breading Stations
Prepare three separate bowls:
- One with flour.
- One with whisked eggs.
- One with panko and plain breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks
Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then dip into the egg, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating. Place breaded sticks on a tray.
4: Freeze for 15-20 Minutes
Freezing prevents the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.
5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F (190°C). Fry the mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
6: Make the Nashville Hot Glaze
In a saucepan, melt butter. Add cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
7: Coat & Serve
Dip the fried mozzarella sticks into the hot glaze for that signature spicy kick. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Pro Tips for the Best Spicy Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze Before Frying – This ensures the coating stays intact and the cheese doesn’t melt too fast.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch – The extra layer of breadcrumbs gives it that irresistible crispy bite.
- Use Whole Milk Mozzarella Blocks – Fresh block mozzarella holds its shape better than pre-sliced versions.
- Control the Spice Level – Adjust the cayenne and hot sauce to match your heat preference.
- Serve Immediately – These taste best when hot and melty inside!
Game Day Serving Ideas
Pair these Spicy Mozzarella Sticks with:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for a cooling contrast
- Buffalo wings for the ultimate game day feast
- Crispy French fries or onion rings
- Cold beer or refreshing lemonade to balance the heat
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Bread the mozzarella sticks and freeze them up to a month in advance. Fry just before serving!
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm them in an oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to keep them crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
2. How can I make these less spicy?
Reduce the cayenne and hot sauce in the glaze or skip it entirely for classic mozzarella sticks.
3. Can I air-fry these?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Can I use pre-shredded mozzarella?
No, block mozzarella works best for this recipe since shredded cheese won’t hold its shape.
Conclusion
These Spicy Mozzarella Sticks are the ultimate game day recipe, bringing the perfect combination of cheese, crunch, and heat to your party table. Whether you’re serving them for a big game or a casual gathering, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!
So, grab your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy every bite of these fiery, crispy delights. Try them out for your next game day and let us know how they turn out!