Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Printer-Friendly)
Golden, spicy mozzarella sticks with a cooling ranch dip—perfectly crisp, cheesy, and bold in every bite.
# List of Ingredients:
→ Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
16 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 thick sticks
→ Breading & Coating
02 -
2 large eggs
03 -
2 tablespoons water
04 -
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
05 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
07 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 -
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 -
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
→ Frying
10 -
4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
→ Nashville Hot Sauce
11 -
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 -
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
13 -
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
14 -
2 teaspoons honey
15 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 -
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
17 -
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
→ Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
18 -
1/2 cup mayonnaise
19 -
1/2 cup sour cream
20 -
1/3 cup buttermilk
21 -
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
22 -
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
23 -
2 teaspoons lemon juice
24 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
25 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
26 -
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
27 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
28 -
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Combine butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, honey, smoked paprika, garlic, and salt in a small saucepan. Place over low heat, whisking until the butter is fully melted. Simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from the heat and set aside.
02 -
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, parsley, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and sugar. Whisk until smooth and chill in the refrigerator while preparing the other components.
03 -
Mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and salt in a shallow bowl until the spices are evenly distributed.
04 -
Beat eggs with water in a separate shallow bowl. Dip each mozzarella stick into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for a second layer, ensuring a thick crumb coating.
05 -
Arrange breaded mozzarella sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until firm for at least 30 minutes to prevent bursting during frying.
06 -
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C), ensuring at least 2 inches of depth. Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning as needed for even browning. Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
07 -
While the sticks remain hot, use a pastry brush to generously coat each one with Nashville hot sauce, allowing the spicy butter to soak into the crust.
08 -
Arrange warm hot mozzarella sticks on a platter. Serve immediately alongside chilled buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping.
# Additional Suggestions:
01 -
Double coating and rapid frying preserve the cheesy core and provide a crisp exterior. Adjust cayenne to moderate the heat level.
02 -
Always freeze breaded sticks before frying to prevent cheese leakage and maintain structural integrity.
03 -
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness.