Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe
These Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks deliver a spicy twist on the classic appetizer, featuring crispy, golden-fried mozzarella coated in a bold, cayenne and paprika-infused hot oil. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they’re served with cooling ranch dressing for the ultimate flavor balance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 6 mozzarella sticks 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Mozzarella Sticks
- 1 lb. part-skim mozzarella
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil, for frying (enough to fill skillet 2″ deep)
Spicy Oil
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- About 1/2 cup reserved hot frying oil
For Serving
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the mozzarella: Cut mozzarella into 6 rectangular sticks about 2″ wide and 1/2″ thick to ensure even frying and optimal gooeyness inside.
- Prepare the coating stations: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, kosher salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and hot sauce until smooth. Pour panko breadcrumbs into a third shallow bowl.
- Bread the mozzarella sticks: Working one at a time, coat each mozzarella stick first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the egg and hot sauce mixture allowing excess to drip off. Finally, toss in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coverage. Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze: Freeze the breaded mozzarella sticks until firm, at least 30 minutes or up to overnight, to prevent melting during frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour canola oil into a large heavy skillet to a depth of 2″ and heat over medium-high heat, using a deep-fry thermometer, until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry mozzarella sticks: Fry the frozen sticks in batches, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve some frying oil for the spicy oil mixture.
- Make spicy oil: In a heatproof bowl, combine cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Carefully add about 1/2 cup of the reserved hot frying oil and stir well to infuse the spices.
- Coat mozzarella sticks: Transfer fried mozzarella sticks to a wire rack and generously brush the spicy oil on both sides for that signature Nashville hot flavor.
- Serve: Serve the spicy mozzarella sticks warm alongside ranch dressing for dipping to balance the heat.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks is essential to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy outside and melted inside.
- Use a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy in oil temperature.
- Adjust cayenne in the spicy oil to tailor the heat level to your preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Keywords: mozzarella sticks, Nashville hot, spicy cheese sticks, fried appetizer, copycat Chili's recipe, homemade mozzarella sticks
