Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 3×2 inch pieces
02 -
1 large egg
03 -
1 tbsp water
04 -
Vegetable oil for deep frying
→ Seasoned Breading
05 -
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
06 -
1 tsp garlic powder
07 -
1 tsp onion powder
08 -
1 tsp dried oregano
09 -
1 tsp black pepper
10 -
1/2 tsp salt
→ Nashville Hot Sauce
11 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
12 -
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
13 -
1 tbsp brown sugar
14 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
15 -
1 tsp fresh garlic, minced
16 -
1 tsp salt
17 -
1 tsp black pepper
18 -
1 tsp honey (optional)
→ Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
19 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
20 -
1/2 cup sour cream
21 -
1/2 cup buttermilk
22 -
2 tsp fresh chives, chopped
23 -
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
24 -
1 tsp dried parsley
25 -
1 tsp onion powder
26 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
27 -
1 tsp salt
28 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
29 -
1/2 tsp sugar
# Instructions:
01 -
Add all the hot sauce ingredients to a small pot and heat over low heat. Whisk everything together as the butter melts, then let it bubble gently for about 2 minutes. Take it off the heat and set it aside - this sauce is going to be amazing.
02 -
Grab a bowl and mix together all the ranch ingredients until everything is well combined. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you work on the mozzarella sticks. The flavors will meld together beautifully.
03 -
In a bowl, combine all the breading ingredients and mix well. This seasoned coating is what's going to give your mozzarella sticks that perfect crunch and flavor.
04 -
Whisk the egg and water together to make your egg wash. Dip each mozzarella piece in the egg wash, then coat it in the seasoned breading. Dip it back in the egg wash, then coat it again in the breading - this double coating is key for that crispy shell.
05 -
Place your breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when you fry them.
06 -
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pan to 350°F. Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks and fry for 2-3 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy. Don't overcrowd the pan - work in batches if needed.
07 -
Transfer the hot mozzarella sticks to a cooling rack and immediately brush them with the Nashville hot sauce while they're still warm. Serve right away with the chilled ranch dressing and watch them disappear!
# Notes:
01 -
Double breading creates an extra crispy coating that holds the cheese inside perfectly
02 -
Freezing the breaded sticks is essential to prevent cheese from leaking out during frying
03 -
The Nashville hot sauce can be made spicier by adding more cayenne pepper to taste
04 -
These taste best when served immediately while the cheese is still stretchy and hot