Copycat Dave’s Hot Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Crispy on the outside, gooey and melty on the inside, with a spicy kick reminiscent of Dave’s signature heat, these mozzarella sticks bring the restaurant experience straight to your kitchen. If you love Dave’s Hot Chicken’s new Hot Mozz sticks, but want to enjoy them at home, this copycat recipe is your answer.

What Is Dave’s Hot Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a classic comfort food, and Dave’s Hot Chicken put a fiery twist on them by coating them in a crispy seasoned breading and dusting them with their signature spice blend. This copycat version recreates that crispy, spicy, and melty magic, letting you enjoy a cheesy snack with a homemade heat level that suits your taste.

Ingredients For The Best Dave’s Hot Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese works perfectly)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Optional Spicy Coating (Copycat Dave’s Heat):

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Step-By-Step Instructions For The Best Dave’s Hot Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

1. Prep the Mozzarella Sticks:
   • Freeze mozzarella sticks for 30–60 minutes to prevent cheese from melting too quickly.
2. Set Up Coating Stations:
   • Bowl 1: Flour with salt and pepper
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and optional chili powder for extra heat
3. Coat the Sticks:
   • Roll each stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection:
   • Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Optional Spicy Dust:
   • While still hot, toss sticks in the optional spice mix for an extra kick.

Tips

• Freeze sticks before frying to prevent cheese from oozing out.
• Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Serve immediately for the best cheese pull.

What To Serve With Dave’s Hot Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

• Ranch or Blue Cheese Dressing: Creamy dips like ranch or blue cheese are classic companions to mozzarella sticks. Their smooth, cool texture balances the heat from the spicy breading and complements the gooey cheese. Drizzle over the sticks or serve as a dipping sauce on the side for extra indulgence.
• Hot Sauce: For spice lovers, a dash of hot sauce adds an extra layer of heat and tang. Whether you use a classic buffalo sauce, sriracha, or your favorite chili sauce, it enhances the bold flavors of the seasoned breading while keeping the cheese pull intact.
• French Fries or Potato Wedges: Mozzarella sticks pair perfectly with crispy fries or potato wedges. The salty, crunchy potatoes provide a satisfying texture contrast to the soft, melty cheese inside the sticks. Serve them together as a hearty snack platter for game nights or casual gatherings.
• Pickles: Tangy pickles cut through the richness of the fried mozzarella sticks, adding a refreshing crunch that cleanses the palate. Dill pickles, bread-and-butter slices, or even pickled jalapeños can provide the perfect zingy contrast.
• Coleslaw: A side of fresh coleslaw offers a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, cheesy sticks. The light crunch of cabbage and carrots, combined with a slightly tangy dressing, helps balance the heat and richness, making each bite feel lighter and more refreshing.

Substitute Ingredients

• Cheese: Try provolone sticks for a slightly sharper taste.
• Baking Option: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8–10 minutes instead of frying for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

Health Benefits Of Dave’s Hot Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

• Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is a good source of protein and calcium, both essential for strong muscles and healthy bones. Protein supports muscle repair, while calcium helps maintain bone density.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: Using garlic and onion powder in the breadcrumb coating adds flavor without extra calories and brings antioxidants to the dish. These compounds can support heart health, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the immune system, helping your body fight off everyday stressors.
• Homemade Spices: Making your own spice mix allows you to control the salt and heat levels, avoiding unnecessary additives often found in store-bought or pre-seasoned options. You can adjust the spiciness to your taste while keeping the flavor bold and balanced.
• Baking vs Frying: If you choose to bake instead of deep-frying, you can significantly reduce unhealthy fats and calories without sacrificing crunch. Baking provides a lighter, more health-conscious option while still delivering that golden, crispy exterior that makes mozzarella sticks irresistible.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about breaking into a perfectly golden stick and watching that cheesy pull stretch before your eyes. For me, nothing beats the crispy, gooey, and spicy goodness of Dave’s Hot Chicken Mozzarella Sticks, especially when you make them at home.

More Recipes

• VEGAN GARLIC AIOLI RECIPE
• Copycat McDonald’s Big Arch Recipe

Dave’s Hot Chicken Mozzarella Sticks

Print

Serves: 3 Prep Time: 15 Minutes Cooking Time: 10 Minutes 10 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 210 calories 14 grams fat

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks:

• 12 mozzarella sticks (string cheese works perfectly)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Optional Spicy Coating (Copycat Dave’s Heat):

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Prep the Mozzarella Sticks:
   • Freeze mozzarella sticks for 30–60 minutes to prevent cheese from melting too quickly.
2. Set Up Coating Stations:
   • Bowl 1: Flour with salt and pepper
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and optional chili powder for extra heat
3. Coat the Sticks:
   • Roll each stick in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.
4. Fry to Golden Perfection:
   • Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Optional Spicy Dust:
   • While still hot, toss sticks in the optional spice mix for an extra kick.

Notes

• Freeze sticks before frying to prevent cheese from oozing out.
• Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Serve immediately for the best cheese pull.