Nashville Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks
These Nashville Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks are crispy on the outside with creamy mozzarella melted in the inside, and slathered in the most gorgeous, buttery hot honey glaze – aka the ULTIMATE game day appetizer!
Ingredients you’ll need:
- whole milk mozzarella, low moisture !!
- flour
- eggs
- panic breadcrumbs (fine crumb)
- seasonings
- neutral frying oil
- butter
- brown sugar
- honey
- hot sauce
- ranch, for serving
What is low moisture mozzarella?
Mozzarella takes two main categories: fresh and low-moisture mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella is often whiter in color and used for caprese salad. Low moisture mozzarella takes on the strengths of aged cheese but gives off that iconic mozzarella cheese pull when melted.
What is Nashville hot sauce?
Nashville hot sauce is southern condiment that is like an oil-based hot sauce (or in this case, a butter-based) that has a bit of sweetness from a little brown sugar and honey.
Cook with me!
Nashville Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 1 block Whole Milk Mozzarella low moisture
- 1 cup Flour
- 3 large Eggs
- 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp. EACH: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp. EACH: Cayenne Pepper, Salt, & Black Pepper
- Neutral Frying Oil
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 tbsp. Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Honey
- 1 tsp. Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp. Hot Sauce or sriracha
- Ranch for serving
Instructions
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Slice the low moisture mozzarella into thick slices, about ½” thick.
- Set up your battering station with three bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, add the eggs and beat until smooth. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and seasonings together.
- Dredge each mozzarella stick through the flour, then the beaten eggs, then the panko mixture. Use your fingers to pat the breadcrumbs into the mozzarella sticks. For extra coating, dredge the mozzarella sticks back into the eggs then back into the breadcrumbs.
- Place on a flat plate or sheet pan lined with parchment paper in a single layer to freeze 10-15 minutes.
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- While the mozzarella sticks freeze, combine the butter, brown sugar, and honey into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is just beginning to bubble.
- Stir in the smoked paprika and hot sauce to taste. Keep over low heat so that the sauce doesn’t thicken up.
To Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
- Bring a saucepan with 4-5” of neutral frying oil to 350F. Working in small batches of 2-3 sticks, fry until deeply golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
To Serve:
- Working fast, brush the mozzarella sticks with the Nashville hot sauce. Enjoy immediately with ranch on the side.
- If needed, reheat in the oven at 400F for 4-5 minutes.
I truly hope you all enjoy this treasured recipe that has nestled its way into our hearts here in the ABM kitchen! ’till next time… xxL
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
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I would truly appreciate it so much if you would give a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram – tagging me @brightmomentco. It always makes my day seeing y’alls creations!
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What can I bake these on or air fry?
Hi Jaz! You could do either, it just won’t be as crunchy as if you were to fry them. I would recommend baking on parchment paper at 400F for 10-15 on each side, drizzling with lots of olive oil prior to baking.
Thank you for responding. Happy 2026!! 🥳
Made these for the superbowl and they were a massive success. Love bright moments recipes!!!! ❤️