Dave's Hot Chicken Hot Mozz Copycat Recipe (Honest Review)
These premium mozzarella sticks sold out nationwide and I finally snagged them on restock day! The mozzarella is thick-cut and incredibly creamy, with a perfectly crispy breading that stays crunchy. The stretchy cheese pull is absolutely wild.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- premium mozzarella (thick-cut sticks) 12 pieces
- all-purpose flour 1 cup
- buttermilk 1 cup
- large eggs 2 pieces
- panko breadcrumbs 2 cups
- vegetable oil (for frying) 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
- cayenne pepper 1 tbsp
- paprika 2 tsp
- garlic powder 1 tsp
- onion powder 1 tsp
- salt 1 tsp
- black pepper 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates
28 g
35%
Protein
14 g
18%
Fat
17 g
47%
Cooking steps
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1
Slice premium mozzarella into thick sticks, ensuring they are at least 1/2 inch thick for maximum creaminess and cheese pull, just like Dave's signature Hot Mozz.
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2
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour (combine flour, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper), one with beaten eggs mixed with buttermilk, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
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3
Double-dip each mozzarella stick: dredge in seasoned flour, dip in egg-buttermilk mixture, coat in panko, then repeat flour, egg-buttermilk, and panko steps for extra crunch. Rest breaded sticks on a tray for 5 minutes to help coating set.
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4
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or heavy pot. Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the oil. Remove and drain on a rack.
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5
For Nashville-style heat, whisk cayenne pepper with 2 tbsp hot oil from the fryer, then brush liberally over the fried mozzarella sticks while they are still hot. Serve immediately for the ultimate stretchy cheese pull and crunchy breading — this technique mirrors Dave's post-fry spice oil drizzle.
Personalized Q&A
Q. Does this copycat Hot Mozz recipe taste like Dave's original?
Yes, this recipe replicates Dave's Hot Mozz using thick-cut mozzarella, double-dipped crispy breading, and the signature Nashville-style cayenne oil. The key detail is brushing cayenne-infused oil over the sticks while hot, which mimics Dave's spicy finish and delivers a crunchy bite with a wild cheese pull.
Q. Is it difficult for beginners to make Dave's Hot Chicken Hot Mozz at home?
Not really! With 5 clear steps, approachable ingredients, and a total of about 30 minutes active time, home cooks can recreate this premium mozzarella snack. The double-dip breading technique is simple to follow and ensures a crispy, restaurant-style result.
Q. Can any of the ingredients be swapped if I can't find premium mozzarella?
You can use whole-milk mozzarella sticks or slices if premium thick-cut is unavailable, though the cheese pull may be less dramatic. For buttermilk, substitute regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Panko breadcrumbs deliver the crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch.
Q. How many calories, carbs, protein, and fat are in each serving?
Each serving of homemade Hot Mozz contains about 320 kcal, with 28g carbs (35%), 14g protein (18%), and 17g fat (47%). This nutrition profile mirrors the crave-worthy, filling nature of Dave's original.
Q. Can I adjust the spice level for Hot Mozz?
Absolutely! If you want less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne in the seasoning and post-fry oil. For more heat, add a pinch of extra cayenne or try a dash of Carolina Reaper powder. Adjusting the spice oil is an easy way to customize the Hot Mozz to your taste.
