Restaurant Inspired
Origin and Cultural Significance
Nashville Hot Mozzarella is a bold twist on two iconic comfort foods: Southern Nashville hot chicken and Italian-inspired fried mozzarella. Originating in Nashville, Tennessee, the “hot” style involves spicy cayenne oil brushed over crispy fried proteins. By marrying this with the gooey indulgence of fried mozzarella, Chili’s and other chains brought a fiery Southern flair to a beloved appetizer. This fusion highlights a trend of intensifying flavors in casual dining, where spicy heat meets rich, creamy textures. It’s a cultural mashup that satisfies cravings for both comfort and adrenaline.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
This dish features melty mozzarella sticks double-breaded for maximum crunch and then coated in a fiery Nashville-style chili oil. The key flavor comes from the spicy oil blend: cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, brown sugar, and a touch of vinegar, giving it a smoky-sweet heat. It’s hot, but balanced by the creamy center of the mozzarella. Often served with ranch or pickles to cool the heat, each bite delivers texture, spice, and richness. The flavor profile is crunchy, creamy, spicy, and slightly tangy.
Chili’s Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Copycat Recipe) – Spicy, Crispy, and Cheesy Appetizer Perfection
Nashville Hot Mozzarella is the ultimate spicy appetizer—perfectly golden mozzarella sticks drenched in a cayenne-chili oil glaze. This recipe brings the fiery kick of Nashville hot chicken to melty, cheesy fried mozzarella, creating a flavor-packed snack with serious crunch and burn. The mozzarella is coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, fried until crisp, then brushed with a bold oil infused with paprika, garlic, and cayenne. Each bite is rich and spicy, balanced with a side of ranch or sweet pickles for relief. It’s a crowd-pleasing, conversation-starting dish ideal for parties, tailgates, or late-night snacks.
Ingredients
Ingredient List
For Nashville Hot Oil:
Optional:
Instructions
1. Prep the Mozzarella
- Cut mozzarella into sticks, pat dry, and set aside.
2. Bread the Cheese
- Set up a breading station with flour, egg + milk mixture, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Dip each stick in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg and breadcrumb for a thicker crust. Freeze for 30 minutes.
3. Fry the Mozzarella
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F. Fry sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes or until golden. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. Make Nashville Hot Oil
- In a small bowl, combine cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and brown sugar. Add ¼ cup hot frying oil and stir. Mix in vinegar for tang.
5. Brush and Serve
- Brush hot mozzarella sticks with Nashville oil or toss them in it. Serve immediately with ranch or pickles.
Note
The oil mixture should be applied right after frying while the cheese is still hot for best flavor absorption. Adjust the cayenne based on your heat preference—start with less if you're spice-sensitive. If you want crisp without deep frying, air-fry the sticks at 390°F for 8 minutes and then brush with hot oil.
