Crispy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Chili’s Copycat)

I’ve always loved the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks at Chili’s—they’re spicy, cheesy, and just the right kind of indulgent.

So naturally, I had to recreate them at home. These mozzarella sticks have that perfect golden, crispy coating, a gooey cheese center, and the spicy Nashville hot butter that makes them so bold.

These are definitely not an everyday snack, but they’re so worth it when you’re craving something cheesy with a little heat.

Perfect for game day, a fun appetizer, or anytime you’re feeling a bit extra in the best way.

Why You’ll Love Them

• Cheesy with a Spicy Kick: Classic mozzarella sticks, but with bold Nashville hot flavors.
• Crispy Coating: A double-dipped breading that gives them the perfect crunch.
• Copycat Recipe: Inspired by the Chili’s version, but made right in your own kitchen.

How It Comes Together

Coat mozzarella sticks in seasoned breading, fry them until golden and crispy, then toss them in a buttery, spicy Nashville hot sauce.

Pair them with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce, and they’re ready to serve.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (for dredging and glaze)
• Shallow bowls (for breading)
• Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer (for frying)
• Wire rack (for draining mozzarella sticks)
• Small saucepan (for the glaze)
• Tongs (for dipping in the glaze)

Ingredients (with Substitutions)

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy, spicy mozzarella sticks at home.

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• Mozzarella Cheese Sticks: Use whole milk string cheese for the best melt.
• All-Purpose Flour: For coating. Can substitute with gluten-free flour.
• Eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs stick.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crispiness. Italian breadcrumbs work as an alternative.
• Cayenne Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds spice and flavor to the breading.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the breading.
• Avocado Oil (for Frying): Neutral oil with a high smoke point. Canola or vegetable oil also work.

For the Nashville Hot Glaze:

• Butter: Melted for the base of the glaze.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the heat.
• Paprika: Use smoked paprika for added depth.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the flavor.
• Chili Powder: Optional, for more layered heat.
• Hot Sauce: Any brand works—Frank’s RedHot is a good choice.
• Salt: To taste.

Instructions

Making Nashville hot mozzarella sticks is easier than you’d think—just follow these simple steps.

• Slice the Mozzarella:
  Cut the block of mozzarella into thick, rectangular sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick). Set aside while preparing the breading.
• Set Up the Breading Station:
  Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Bread the Mozzarella Sticks:
  Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, dip into the eggs, and press into the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating. Place the breaded sticks on a tray or plate.
• Freeze After Breading:
  Place the breaded mozzarella sticks in the freezer for 20-25 minutes. This helps the breading adhere and keeps the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
• Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
  Heat 2 inches of avocado oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F. Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to drain.
• Prepare the Nashville Hot Glaze:
  In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder (if using), hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth and combined.

• Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
  Use tongs to dip each fried mozzarella stick into the Nashville Hot glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated.
• Serve:
  Arrange the glazed mozzarella sticks on a serving platter. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.

What to Serve with Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

These mozzarella sticks are the star of the show, but here are a few blog recipes to round out your game-day spread:

Obvi! These are a must with homemade ranch dressing!

• Easy Crispy Homemade Air Fryer Plantain Chips – Crunchy and great for scooping up extra sauce.
• Tostones with Garlic Sauce – Crispy fried plantains paired with a garlicky dipping sauce.
• Irresistible Baked Crack Corn Dip
• The Best 30-Minute Cheesy Taco Dip with Seasoned Ground Beef

If You Like This, You’ll Love These:

• Bang Bang Chicken Bites – Crispy chicken bites tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
• Pollo Empanizado – Crispy, golden chicken cutlets that are always a favorite.
• Crispy Salmon Bites – Bite-sized salmon with a light, crunchy crust.
• Baked Crack Corn Dip – A warm, cheesy corn dip that’s always a hit.
• Cold Crack Corn Dip – A no-bake version with creamy, crunchy layers.
• Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Dip – Loaded with taco flavors and perfect for chips.
• Spicy Cilantro Sauce – Herbaceous and zesty, perfect as a dip or drizzle.
• Garlic Aioli – Creamy and garlicky, amazing for fries, tostones, or chicken.
• Ancho Aioli – Smoky, tangy, and perfect for dunking mozzarella sticks or plantains.
• Air Fryer Plantain Chips – Crunchy plantain chips that pair well with all your favorite dips.
• Crispy Yuca Fries in the Air Fryer – Golden fries with a tender inside and crispy edges.
• Patacones – Twice-fried plantains served with a savory garlic sauce.

Let’s Hear From You!

If you make these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, I’d love to hear how they turn out. Leave a comment or recipe rating, and if you snap a photo, tag me on Instagram.

I always enjoy seeing how these recipes come to life in your kitchen!

Crispy and Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Olga Muñoz

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are my copycat version of the Chili’s classic. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and coated in a spicy Nashville hot butter sauce.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Freeze 25 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 623 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Cutting Board and Knife
• 1 Mixing Bowls
• 1 Shallow Bowls
• 1 Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Deep Fryer
• 1 Wire Rack
• 1 Small Saucepan
• 1 Tongs

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Mozzarella Sticks:

• 1 lb block of whole milk mozzarella cheese sliced into thick 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 and pepper to taste
• Avocado oil for frying

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

Instructions

 

• Slice 1 lb block of mozzarella cheese into thick, rectangular sticks (about 3 inches long and ½ inch thick).
• Prepare 3 bowls: one with 1 cup flour, one with 3 whisked eggs, and one with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 tsp cayenne, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Coat each mozzarella stick in flour, then egg, and then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumbs for a double coating. Place breaded sticks on a tray.
• Freeze breaded mozzarella sticks for 15-20 minutes.
• Heat 2 inches of avocado oil to 375°F. Fry mozzarella sticks for 1-2 minutes until golden. Drain on a wire rack.
• In a saucepan, melt ½ cup butter. Add 2 tbsp cayenne, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp chili powder (optional), 2-3 tbsp hot sauce, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
• Dip fried mozzarella sticks into the hot glaze. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

Top Tips for Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

1. Freeze After Breading: Freezing after breading ensures the coating stays intact and the cheese doesn’t melt too quickly while frying.
2. Double Coat for Crunch: A second coating of egg and breadcrumbs creates an extra crispy crust.
3. Use Fresh Mozzarella Blocks: Block mozzarella provides the creamy texture and shape needed for uniform sticks.
4. Control the Spice: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce in the glaze for your desired heat level.
5. Serve Fresh: These sticks are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is gooey and the crust is crunchy.

Nutrition

Calories: 623kcalCarbohydrates: 36.4gProtein: 21.4gFat: 36.9g

Keyword Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, Spicy Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!