Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

If you dream about that unbeatable crunch and fiery zing of Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, you’re in for a treat! Get ready to recreate this irresistible bar snack at home—each bite is bursting with creamy melted mozzarella, crackling golden coating, and a smack of spicy-sweet Nashville heat. Trust me, these aren’t your average mozzarella sticks; they’re an outrageously craveable upgrade you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised by how simple and approachable these ingredients are—but each one packs a punch, adding up to an authentic, knockout snack. Every element, from the classic mozzarella to the spicy oil, helps create the perfect Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks experience.

• Part-skim mozzarella (1 lb.): Go for the block and slice it yourself for optimal melt and structure in each stick.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): The first layer in your breading trifecta, flour helps the seasonings stick and creates a good base for crispiness.
• Kosher salt (1 tsp. + 1/2 tsp.): Adds crucial seasoning to both the breading and the spicy oil.
• Paprika (1 tsp. + 2 tsp.): Infuses both your crust and spicy oil with a gentle, smoky warmth and color.
• Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp. + 2 Tbsp.): The secret sauce of Nashville heat—a little in the breading, a lot in the hot oil for that authentic kick!
• Large eggs (2): Whisked with hot sauce, eggs help the panko stick and give that beautiful golden finish.
• Hot sauce (1 Tbsp.): Adds another subtle layer of tangy, peppery flavor; use your favorite variety for mild or wild results.
• Panko breadcrumbs (2 cups): Extra crunchy Japanese-style breadcrumbs are the key to that airy, crisp outer shell.
• Canola oil: Light, neutral oil perfect for high-heat frying without any competing flavors.
• Light brown sugar (1 Tbsp.): Just a touch of sweetness helps balance the spicy in the Nashville hot oil.
• Chili powder (1/2 tsp.): Adds depth to the hot oil with its earthy, peppery notes.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp.): Lends savory aroma and flavor boost.
• Ranch dressing, for serving: The cool, creamy dip every spicy mozzarella stick deserves!

Variations

What’s wonderful about this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Don’t be afraid to switch things up depending on your spice tolerance, dietary needs, or simply what you have in your pantry—Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are made for adaptation.

• Baked Instead of Fried: Skip the oil and bake the breaded mozzarella sticks on a wire rack at 425°F until golden and bubbly for a (slightly) lighter option.
• Air Fryer Friendly: Pop them in your air fryer for that irresistible crunch with less mess—and you don’t have to heat up a giant pot of oil.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Use a plant-based mozzarella alternative and vegan egg substitute to make these sticks totally dairy-free and vegan.
• Heat Level Control: Adjust the cayenne in the hot oil to tone down (or amp up!) the Nashville fire to your preference.

How to Make Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Step 1: Slice Your Mozzarella

Start by cutting your mozzarella block into six generous rectangles—aim for about 2 inches long and ½ inch thick. Uniform pieces ensure even frying and that dramatic cheese pull when you break them open!

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations

In one shallow bowl, combine flour, kosher salt, paprika, and cayenne. In a second, whisk eggs and hot sauce together until frothy. Pour panko into a third bowl. This assembly line is the backbone of that signature crispiness every Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick deserves.

Step 3: Bread the Mozzarella Sticks

Take each mozzarella rectangle through a “coat, dip, and crunch” circuit: toss it in the seasoned flour, dip it into the egg mixture (let excess drip off), then dredge it in the panko, pressing firmly so every inch is covered. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet as you go.

Step 4: Freeze for the Perfect Texture

Patience pays off! Freeze the breaded sticks for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight). Chilling is essential—if you fry them right away, the cheese will ooze out before the coating gets crispy.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 2 inches of canola oil in a heavy skillet to 350°F (use a thermometer if you have one!). Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches—just 2-3 minutes per side—until they’re deeply golden. Move fried sticks to a paper towel-lined plate and reserve that precious frying oil for the next step.

Step 6: Make Nashville Hot Oil & Brush

To make that fiery Nashville glaze, combine cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a heatproof bowl. Carefully ladle in about ½ cup of the reserved hot frying oil and stir. With a pastry brush, coat your freshly fried mozzarella sticks with this spicy, blush-red oil on both sides—it’s where the real flavor magic happens!

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Transfer your finished Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks to a wire rack to cool just slightly, then serve them warm with plenty of ranch dressing for that creamy, cooling contrast. Watch them disappear!

How to Serve Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Garnishes

Scatter a little fresh chopped parsley or chives over your platter just before serving for a pop of color and light freshness. If you love more heat or pickle tang, try serving thinly sliced pickles right on top or alongside your Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks—it’s a nod to classic Nashville hot chicken tradition!

Side Dishes

Pair these spicy, cheesy beauties with classic bar snacks—think hand-cut fries, a crisp green salad, or even cool, crunchy celery sticks. And of course, don’t forget a big bowl of creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for all that glorious dipping.

Creative Ways to Present

For party wow-factor, serve your Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks like a southern appetizer board: pile them onto a wooden platter with ramekins of dipping sauces, hot oil, and an array of pickled veggies. Or, layer them into a “build-your-own slider” bar with soft mini buns and toppings—you’ll instantly spark a new crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with leftover Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (lucky you!), pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll still be delicious for a next-day snack or late-night treat.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Freeze the breaded, uncooked mozzarella sticks on a sheet tray until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to a month—just fry straight from frozen when cravings strike!

Reheating

For best results, reheat mozzarella sticks in a 375°F oven or air fryer for about 8-10 minutes, flipping once for even crisping. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that signature crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the unbeatable combo of crunch, gooey cheese, and fiery Nashville flavor in these Copycat Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks. Gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and watch them disappear—this is comfort food with a spicy twist you’ll come back to over and over. Happy snacking!

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