If you love bold, spicy flavors and gooey melted cheese, then these Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are about to become your new favorite indulgence. This recipe takes classic mozzarella sticks to the next level by wrapping them in savory beef, coating them in a crispy, spiced batter, and deep-frying them to golden perfection. Served with a side of rich dipping sauce, they’re the ultimate snack for spice lovers.

The Perfect Combination of Heat and Flavor

These mozzarella sticks are inspired by Nashville hot chicken, known for its crispy texture and fiery cayenne-infused seasoning. The heat level is customizable, making them perfect for those who love a mild kick or an intense burn. The crispy beef layer adds depth to the flavor, while the cheese inside remains perfectly melted.

Why You’ll Love These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Crunchy, cheesy, and spicy—these mozzarella sticks are everything you want in a snack. Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just to satisfy a craving, here’s why they’re worth trying:

Ultimate Cheese Pull – The melted mozzarella inside gives you that satisfying stretch with every bite.
Savory Beef Wrapping – A thin layer of seasoned beef enhances the flavor and makes them extra hearty.
Crispy, Spicy Coating – The Nashville hot seasoning creates a crispy crust with a bold kick of heat.
Perfect for Dipping – Serve them with ranch, marinara, or a classic spicy sauce to balance the flavors.

A Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, these Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks will be a guaranteed hit. They’re simple to make but taste like they came straight from a gourmet kitchen. Get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds: cheesy goodness and fiery Nashville spice!

Ingredients for Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

To make these spicy, crispy, and cheesy delights, you’ll need a handful of flavorful ingredients that come together for the perfect bite.

Main Ingredients:

Mozzarella Sticks – Use whole mozzarella sticks or cut a block of mozzarella into thick strips for that classic cheese pull.
Ground Beef – Choose lean ground beef so it wraps around the cheese without too much grease.
Salt & Pepper – Enhances the flavor of the beef and balances the heat.
Garlic Powder – Adds depth and savoriness to the seasoning.
Cayenne Pepper – The key spice in Nashville hot seasoning, adding fiery heat. Adjust to taste.
Paprika – Provides a smoky undertone to the spice blend.
Eggs – Used to coat the beef-wrapped cheese and help the breading stick.
Flour – Forms the first layer of the crispy breading.
Panko Breadcrumbs – Gives the coating an extra crunch.
Hot Sauce – Infuses the breading with additional spice.
Milk – Helps create a smooth batter for dipping.
Vegetable Oil – For deep-frying to golden perfection.

Optional for Extra Heat:

Chili Powder – If you want an extra layer of spice.
Hot Honey or Spicy Mayo – A great dip for balancing out the heat with a little sweetness.

How to Make Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Creating these spicy, beefy mozzarella sticks is simple, but attention to detail ensures they turn out crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Wrap

Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne.
Take a small portion of beef and flatten it into a thin layer on parchment paper.
Wrap each mozzarella stick in the seasoned beef, pressing gently to ensure full coverage.

Step 2: Freeze for Stability

Place the beef-wrapped mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for about 30 minutes. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

In one bowl, mix flour with a pinch of cayenne and paprika.
In another bowl, whisk eggs with milk and a few dashes of hot sauce.
In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Step 4: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

Roll the frozen beef-wrapped mozzarella sticks in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
Coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Repeat the egg and panko coating for an extra crispy layer.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully drop the coated mozzarella sticks into the hot oil, frying for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and drain on a paper towel.

Step 6: Brush with Nashville Hot Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix melted butter with additional cayenne, paprika, and hot sauce.
Brush the fried mozzarella sticks with this spicy butter mixture for the signature Nashville hot finish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or marinara sauce for dipping.
Enjoy the crispy, cheesy, and fiery goodness!

How Long to Fry Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

The frying time for these mozzarella sticks is crucial to achieve a crispy golden crust while keeping the cheese perfectly melted inside. Here’s a general guide:

Small Mozzarella Sticks – Fry for 1.5 to 2 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Regular Mozzarella Sticks – Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring even browning.
Extra Thick Mozzarella Sticks – Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, but monitor closely to prevent cheese from leaking.

Since the mozzarella sticks are wrapped in beef, freezing them before frying helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly while ensuring the beef crisps up properly.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have extra Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks, they can be stored and reheated for later enjoyment. Here’s how:

Refrigeration:

Place any leftover mozzarella sticks in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or air-fry at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Freezing:

If you want to store them for longer, freeze the fried mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheat directly from frozen by air-frying at 375°F for 5-6 minutes or baking for 10-12 minutes at the same temperature.

Tips for Perfect Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

To make sure your mozzarella sticks turn out crispy, spicy, and cheesy every time, follow these expert tips:

Freeze Before Frying – Freezing the beef-wrapped cheese ensures the mozzarella doesn’t melt too fast, helping keep its shape.

Double Coat for Extra Crunch – Dipping the sticks twice in the egg and breadcrumb mixture creates a thicker, crispier coating.

Use a Thermometer for Oil Temperature – Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) for the perfect balance of crispy coating and melted cheese.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in small batches to prevent temperature drops, which could lead to greasy mozzarella sticks.

Brush with Nashville Hot Butter While Warm – Coating the fried sticks in the spicy butter mixture immediately after frying helps the flavors soak in for the ultimate heat and flavor.

Customize the Heat Level – If you prefer milder spice, reduce the cayenne pepper in the seasoning. For extra heat, add a pinch of ghost pepper powder or chili flakes!

These Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, gooey, and packed with bold flavors, making them the ultimate party appetizer or indulgent snack.

Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks

Author: Sally Thompson
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 mozzarella sticks 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Nashville Hot Beef Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are a spicy, crispy twist on a classic favorite. Gooey mozzarella sticks are wrapped in seasoned beef, coated in a crunchy breading, and fried to perfection before being brushed with a fiery Nashville hot butter glaze. Perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving something cheesy and bold!

Instructions

Step 1: Wrap the Mozzarella Sticks in Beef

In a bowl, mix the ground beef with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
Take a small amount of beef and flatten it into a thin layer. Wrap it around each mozzarella stick, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.

Step 2: Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks

Place the beef-wrapped mozzarella sticks on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes. This helps keep their shape while frying.

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

In one bowl, mix flour with a pinch of cayenne and paprika.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and hot sauce.
In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Coat the Mozzarella Sticks

Roll the frozen beef-wrapped mozzarella sticks in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
Coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for an extra crispy layer.

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the mozzarella sticks for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Make the Nashville Hot Butter Coating

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce.
Brush this mixture over the fried mozzarella sticks for the perfect Nashville hot finish.