Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Introduction

These Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks bring a spicy, crispy twist to a classic appetizer. Loaded with gooey mozzarella and a bold cayenne-infused coating, they’re perfect for warming up game day or any gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. part-skim mozzarella
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Canola oil, for frying
• 2 tbsp cayenne (for spicy oil)
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 tsp paprika (for spicy oil)
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (for spicy oil)
• Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut mozzarella into 6 rectangles about 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, paprika, and cayenne. In another shallow bowl, whisk eggs and hot sauce until blended. Pour panko into a third shallow bowl.
3. Step 3: Working one at a time, toss mozzarella sticks in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Coat well with panko, pressing to adhere. Arrange sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
4. Step 4: Pour canola oil to a depth of 2 inches into a heavy, heatproof skillet fitted with a deep-fry thermometer. Heat over medium-high heat until oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
5. Step 5: Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches, turning halfway, until golden brown—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve some frying oil for the spicy oil.
6. Step 6: In a heatproof bowl, mix cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Carefully ladle about 1/2 cup of the hot frying oil into the spice mixture and stir to combine, creating the spicy oil.
7. Step 7: Place mozzarella sticks on a wire rack and brush both sides generously with the spicy oil. Serve warm with ranch dressing on the side.

Tips & Variations

• Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks before frying to prevent cheese from oozing out during cooking.
• For an extra crispy texture, double-dip the sticks by repeating the flour, egg, and panko steps.
• Adjust the cayenne in the spicy oil to control the heat level to your preference.
• Try serving with blue cheese dressing or a honey mustard dip for different flavor options.

Storage

Store leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Baking is possible but the sticks may not get as crispy or golden. For best results, freeze the coated sticks and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.

What type of mozzarella is best for this recipe?

Part-skim mozzarella works well because it melts nicely without releasing too much moisture, helping the sticks hold their shape when fried.

Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 mozzarella sticks 1x

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Description

These Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks deliver a crispy, spicy twist on a classic appetizer. Mozzarella sticks are breaded and fried to golden perfection, then brushed with a flavorful cayenne-spiked hot oil, perfectly paired with cool ranch dressing. This indulgent snack packs heat and cheesy goodness in every bite, ideal for game day or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella block into 6 rectangles, each approximately 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
2. Set up Breading Stations: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the hot sauce until well combined. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
3. Bread the Cheese: Working one stick at a time, dredge the mozzarella pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg and hot sauce mixture, allowing extra to drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Arrange the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Freeze to Firm Up: Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to ensure firmness and prevent melting during frying.
5. Heat the Oil and Fry: In a heavy, deep skillet or pan fitted with a deep-fry thermometer, pour in canola oil to a depth of 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks in batches, turning halfway, until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the fried sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the hot oil for the spicy sauce.
6. Make the Spicy Oil: In a heatproof bowl, mix together cayenne pepper, light brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Carefully ladle about 1/2 cup of the reserved hot frying oil into the spice mix, stirring well to combine and dissolve the sugar and spices, creating a vibrant Nashville-style hot oil.
7. Brush and Serve: Place the fried mozzarella sticks on a wire rack and generously brush the spicy hot oil over both sides of each stick. Serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping, enjoying the perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

Notes

• Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying.
• Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F while frying for crispy, golden sticks without excess oil absorption.
• The reserved frying oil is used to make the spicy oil for brushing; handle hot oil carefully to avoid burns.
• You can adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper in the spicy oil.
• Part-skim mozzarella helps reduce excessive oiliness while maintaining good melt and stretchiness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, spicy mozzarella sticks, chili’s copycat recipe, fried cheese sticks, spicy appetizers