These hot honey mozzarella sticks are what happens when comfort food gets a little flirty. Imagine crispy golden cheese sticks—oozing mozzarella wrapped in a perfectly seasoned crust—then tossed in a spicy-sweet glaze that tastes like it came straight out of a Chili’s test kitchen (but better). Whether you’re throwing a party, need a “wow” appetizer, or are just having a cheese-girl dinner, these are that girl.
But honestly? I made these on a whim one Friday night, and now I can’t go back. They’re crispy, gooey, spicy, sweet—and dangerously easy to make at home.
What are Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks?
In a nutshell, they’re mozzarella sticks taken up a notch. Traditional mozz sticks are deep-fried and served with marinara, but these are coated in a crunchy spiced breading and drenched in a hot honey glaze made with buffalo sauce and honey (or maple syrup if you’re feeling fancy). They hit that salty-spicy-sweet trifecta and are totally addictive.
Chili’s Dupe Alert!
If you’ve seen the Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks on the Chili’s menu lately, you know the vibe—crispy fried cheese sticks tossed in a sticky buffalo-honey glaze that’s equal parts sweet, spicy, and addicting. They took the classic mozz stick and gave it a fiery glow-up, and I was instantly obsessed. This homemade version is my copycat take: same melty center, extra-crunchy coating, and a customizable hot honey drizzle that tastes just like (if not better than) the original. Basically, it’s the Chili’s appetizer you crave—without leaving your kitchen.
Key Ingredients
- Mozzarella: Use a block of low-moisture mozzarella so you get those perfect melty centers without sogginess.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Way crispier than traditional breadcrumbs and essential for the texture. This is how we level up from sad, soggy mozzarella sticks.
- Flour + Spices: A mix of garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and Kashmiri chili (optional but adds that signature color and mild heat).
- Buffalo Sauce + Honey (or Maple Syrup): The Chili’s hot honey glaze is basically just these two things. The tangy heat from the buffalo + sweet honey = magic.
How to Make Them
Here’s the general game plan:
- Cut your mozzarella into sticks.
- Make a dry spice mix and a wet batter.
- Dip → batter → press → fry.
- Toss in your buffalo-honey glaze.
- Serve with ranch and try not to eat them all at once.
Key Tips for Frying Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks
- Oil Temp Matters: Aim for 350–375°F. If the oil’s too cool, the cheese will ooze before the crust crisps.
- Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps them cook evenly and stay crispy.
- Optional Freezer Trick: Freeze the battered sticks for 10–15 minutes before frying to help them keep their shape.
Hot Honey mozzarella sticks
Ingredients
- 8 ounces mozzarella
Dry Batter
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Batter
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water plus extra few tablespoons too loosen the batter as needed
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp salt
Sauce
- buffalo sauce + honey or maple syrup (to taste)
Instructions
- Combine the wet and dry batters in separate bowls.
- Cut your motz into rectangular prisms. Coat them in the wet batter first, and shake off any excess.
- Now, dip them into the dry batter and gently press it in.
- Deep fry in hot oil until just golden brown.
- Combine buffalo sauce and and either honey or maple syrup in a bowl to taste. I like to add about 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce with a few tablespoons of honey.
- Coat your motz sticks in the sauce, and serve with a side of ranch!
What did you think of this recipe?