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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

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Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are crispy, golden fried cheese sticks brushed with a bold, buttery cayenne sauce for that signature spicy kick. Served with cool and creamy homemade ranch dressing, this quick appetizer is perfect for game day, parties, or spicy snack cravings.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (includes freezing)
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Total Time: 36 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Mozzarella Sticks

1 lb mozzarella, cut into 3×2 inch pieces

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Breading

2 cups breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

For the Nashville Hot Sauce

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon honey (optional)

For the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup sour cream

½ cup buttermilk

2 teaspoons chives (dried or fresh)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon parsley (dried or fresh)

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce

In a small pot over low heat, combine melted butter, cayenne, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Whisk continuously until fully combined and simmer for 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Prepare the Ranch Dressing

In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

3. Prepare the Breading

In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and salt.

4. Coat the Mozzarella

Whisk together egg and water to create an egg wash. Dip each mozzarella piece into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat the process for a double coating to ensure crispiness.

5. Freeze

Place breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during frying.

6. Fry

Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.

7. Add the Sauce

Transfer fried mozzarella sticks to a cooling rack. Brush generously with Nashville hot sauce.

8. Serve

Serve immediately with chilled homemade ranch dressing.

Notes

Freezing is essential to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.

Adjust cayenne to control spice level.

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.

These can also be air-fried at 390°F for 6–8 minutes (after freezing).

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