Copycat Chili’s Hot Mozzarella Sticks: Nashville Hot Goodness at Home! If you’re craving that crispy, gooey, fiery bite of Chillies Mozzarella Sticks, you’re in for a treat! This Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks recipe is a copycat version of the famous Chili’s Cheese Sticks. Think Buffalo Mozzarella Sticks meet Nashville Hot Fried Mozzarella—crispy on the outside, melty on the inside, and smothered in a bold, buttery hot glaze. Perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you’re craving serious flavor!
These Hot Mozzarella Sticks pack all the flavor and crunch you love, with a sweet and spicy glaze that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you grew up dipping Chilies Mozzarella Sticks into ranch or you’re just discovering the beauty of fiery fried cheese, this homemade version is surprisingly easy to whip up and tastes even better fresh out of the fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prep and freeze the sticks ahead of time, then fry them when the craving hits!
- Crispy, melty perfection – Each mozzarella stick is double breaded for an ultra-crunchy shell with that irresistible cheese pull inside.
- Totally crowd-pleasing – Whether you’re hosting friends or flying solo, this dish is a certified snack hero.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 1 lb block mozzarella cheese, sliced into 3–4 inch sticks (about ½ inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Hot Glaze
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp hot sauce (adjust for more or less heat)
How to Make Copycat Chili’s Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Slice the Cheese:
Start with a block of mozzarella and cut it into uniform sticks—around 3 to 4 inches long and about ½ inch thick.
Set Up the Breading Station:
Grab three shallow bowls. In one, mix flour with cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In the second, beat your eggs. The third should hold your panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks:
Roll each stick in the seasoned flour, dip into the egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step to double coat each stick.
Freeze:
Place the breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. This helps them stay intact while frying.
Make the Glaze:
While the sticks are chilling, whisk together all the glaze ingredients in a bowl until smooth and fully combined. The butter, spices, and a touch of brown sugar make a deliciously sticky, spicy glaze.
Fry the Sticks:
Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
Glaze and Serve:
Drain the fried sticks on paper towels, then while they’re still hot, dip each one into the Nashville-style hot glaze. Let the excess drip off and set them on a wire rack. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Tips for Best Hot Mozzarella Sticks
- Freeze longer if needed: You can freeze the breaded sticks for up to a couple of hours if you want to prep ahead—just make sure they’re firm before frying.
- Double breading = extra crunch: Don’t skip the second coat of egg and breadcrumbs. It keeps everything together and gives that iconic crunch.
- Adjust the heat: Want them milder? Dial back the cayenne or use a milder hot sauce. Craving more fire? Add a dash of ghost pepper or habanero sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Got leftovers? (Unlikely—but just in case!)
- Store any uneaten glazed sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving—they’ll lose that awesome crunch!
These Chili’s Hot Mozzarella Sticks are guaranteed to be the highlight of your snack game. They’re spicy, cheesy, and completely addictive—basically, everything you want in a party snack or comfort food fix. Make a big batch and watch them disappear!
Copycat Chili’s Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Bring the heat with these crispy, gooey Hot Mozzarella Sticks inspired by Chili’s! This spicy twist on a classic appetizer features melty mozzarella coated in golden breadcrumbs and tossed in a bold Nashville-style hot glaze. Perfect for parties, game day, or anytime you’re craving serious flavor!
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Ingredients
- Mozzarella Sticks
1 lb 1 block mozzarella cheese, sliced into sticks
1 cup 1 all purpose flour
3 3 eggs
2 cups 2 panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon 1 cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon 1 smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 onion powder
- Hot Glaze
1/2 cup 1/2 unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons 3 cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons 2 brown sugar
1 teaspoon 1 smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 chili powder
2 teaspoons 2 hot sauce
Directions
- Slice the mozzarella block into sticks, about 3-4 inches long and ½ inch thick.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with panko breadcrumbs, one with beaten eggs, and one with flour mixed with cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Dip each mozzarella stick into the seasoned flour, coating it fully.
- Dip the floured stick into the beaten eggs, then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer.
- Place the coated mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
- While the sticks are freezing, prepare the hot glaze by whisking melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and hot sauce in a bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Dip each mozzarella stick into the hot glaze while still warm. Let the excess drip off placing on a rack after dipping.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy!