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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: A

Description

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with bold, fiery flavor—these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks take the classic favorite up a notch! Each bite delivers a gooey cheese pull wrapped in a spicy, golden crust, brushed with a smoky Nashville hot sauce. Served with cool, homemade buttermilk ranch, they’re the ultimate appetizer or game day snack.

Ingredients

Mozzarella Sticks

  • 1 lb mozzarella, cut into 3×2-inch pieces

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tbsp water

  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Breading

  • 2 cups breadcrumbs

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1 tsp oregano

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp salt

Nashville Hot Sauce

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 tbsp cayenne pepper

  • 1 tbsp brown sugar

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic, minced or powdered

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tsp honey (optional, for slight sweetness)

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

 

  • 1/2 cup mayo

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1/2 cup buttermilk

  • 2 tsp chives, dried or fresh

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • 1 tsp parsley, dried or fresh

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions

Make the Nashville Hot Sauce

  1. In a small pot over low heat, add all Nashville Hot Sauce ingredients.

  2. Whisk continuously until the butter melts, then let it simmer for 1-2 minutes.

  3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

  1. In a bowl, mix all Buttermilk Ranch Dressing ingredients until smooth.

  2. Place in the fridge until ready to serve.

Breading the Mozzarella Sticks

  1. In a bowl, combine all Breading ingredients.

  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg and water to create an egg wash.

  3. Dip each mozzarella piece into the egg wash, then coat in the seasoned breadcrumbs.

  4. Repeat the process: dip back into the egg wash, then coat again in breadcrumbs (double breading for extra crispiness!).

Freeze & Fry

  1. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.

  2. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).

  3. Once the mozzarella sticks are solid, gently drop them into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.

  4. Transfer to a cooling rack and immediately brush with Nashville Hot Sauce.

Serve & Enjoy!

 

  1. Serve hot with homemade ranch dressing on the side. Enjoy the perfect balance of heat and coolness!

Notes

  • For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

  • Want a milder version? Reduce the cayenne in the sauce and add a touch more honey.

 

  • Make ahead: Bread and freeze mozzarella sticks up to 3 months. Fry straight from frozen!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 mozzarella sticks
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/nashville-hot-mozzarella-sticks/