Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Cheesy mozzarella sticks get a spicy Nashville-style coating and pair perfectly with cool homemade ranch dip.
Preparation Time 1 min
Cooking Time 5 min
Overall Time 6 min
Created By: Lily Chen
Category: Party & Snacks
Skill Level: Moderate
Cuisine Type: American
Output: 4 Serves (Approximately 16 mozzarella sticks)
Dietary Options: Vegetarian
Ingredients
→ Base Ingredients
01 1 lb mozzarella, cut into 3×2 inch pieces
02 1 egg
03 1 tbsp water
04 Vegetable oil for frying
→ Breading
05 2 cups breadcrumbs
06 1 tsp garlic powder
07 1 tsp onion powder
08 1 tsp oregano
09 1 tsp 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 minced garlic or garlic powder
16 1 tsp salt
17 1 tsp pepper
18 1 tsp honey (optional)
→ Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
19 1/2 cup mayo
20 1/2 cup sour cream
21 1/2 cup buttermilk
22 2 tsp chives, dried or fresh
23 1 tsp lemon juice
24 1 tsp parsley, dried or fresh
25 1 tsp onion powder
26 1/2 tsp garlic powder
27 1 tsp salt
28 1/2 tsp pepper
29 1/2 tsp sugar
Steps
Step 01
In a small pot over low heat, combine all ingredients under 'Nashville Hot Sauce.' Whisk continuously until the butter melts and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 02
In a bowl, mix all ingredients under 'Buttermilk Ranch Dressing' until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 03
In a bowl, combine all ingredients under 'Breading' and set aside.
Step 04
Whisk together egg and water to make an egg wash. Coat each piece of mozzarella in the egg wash, then dredge in the seasoned breading. Repeat the process to create a double coating for a crispy crust.
Step 05
Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to solidify.
Step 06
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the mozzarella sticks until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 07
Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a cooling rack and brush them with the prepared Nashville Hot Sauce.
Step 08
Serve the mozzarella sticks with a side of chilled homemade ranch dressing.
Tips
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
- For less spice, reduce the cayenne pepper in the Nashville Hot Sauce recipe.
Required Tools
- Small pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Deep frying pan
- Kitchen thermometer
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