Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
Vegetable oil (plenty for frying)
02 -
Water (1 tablespoon)
03 -
Large egg (1)
04 -
Fresh mozzarella (1 pound, sliced into 3x2 inch sections)
→ Crunchy Breading Mix
05 -
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
06 -
Salt (½ teaspoon)
07 -
Breadcrumbs (2 cups)
08 -
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
09 -
Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
10 -
Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
→ Nashville Heat Sauce
11 -
Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
12 -
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
13 -
Cayenne pepper (1 tablespoon)
14 -
Salt (1 teaspoon)
15 -
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
16 -
Melted unsalted butter (½ cup)
17 -
Garlic, minced or powdered (1 teaspoon)
18 -
Honey (optional, 1 teaspoon if you like it sweeter)
→ Homemade Ranch
19 -
Fresh or dried parsley (1 teaspoon)
20 -
Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
21 -
Sour cream (½ cup)
22 -
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon)
23 -
Mayonnaise (½ cup)
24 -
Buttermilk (½ cup)
25 -
Salt (1 teaspoon)
26 -
Sugar (½ teaspoon)
27 -
Black pepper (½ teaspoon)
28 -
Fresh or dried chives (2 teaspoons)
29 -
Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon)
# Instructions:
01 -
Toss everything for the Nashville hot sauce into a small pan over low heat. Stir and let the butter melt, then let everything simmer for a minute or two. Turn off the heat and set aside once it's blended well.
02 -
Mix up all the ranch dressing ingredients in a bowl until it's nice and smooth. Stick it in the fridge so the flavors can mingle while you handle the rest.
03 -
Grab a bowl and stir together the breadcrumbs with all the listed seasonings. Once combined, leave it to the side to use during assembly.
04 -
Beat together the water with the egg to make a simple egg wash. Set up your cheese slices, egg wash, and bread crumb mix in a line for smooth coating.
05 -
Dip each slice of mozzarella into the egg mix, then coat it in breadcrumbs, dip it back in the egg, and finish with one more layer of breadcrumbs. This double coat guarantees it’ll be extra crispy.
06 -
Lay the coated sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze them for at least a half hour. Freezing keeps the cheese from spilling out when you fry them.
07 -
Heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F. Carefully fry the mozzarella sticks straight from the freezer for 2-3 minutes until they’re golden perfection, then transfer to a cooling rack.
08 -
While the sticks are still hot from frying, generously brush on the Nashville hot sauce. Serve up quickly with your chilled ranch for dipping!
# Notes:
01 -
Turn your mozzarella sticks into spicy, tangy bites with a Nashville kick and creamy ranch.
02 -
Adding layers of breading makes the crunch extra satisfying and holds up well under the sauce.
03 -
Freezing your coated cheese is a must for successful frying without leaks!
04 -
Whip up the ranch early so it has time to taste even better.