Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick (Print Version)
Spicy Nashville-style mozzarella sticks with rich ranch, striking balance between bold heat and creamy coolness.
# Ingredients:
→ Mozzarella Sticks
01 -
1.1 pounds mozzarella cheese
02 -
1 large egg
03 -
1 tablespoon water
04 -
2 cups plain breadcrumbs
05 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
06 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
08 -
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Nashville Hot Sauce
09 -
3/4 cup reserved frying oil
10 -
1/4 cup ground cayenne pepper
11 -
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
12 -
2 teaspoons chili powder
13 -
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
14 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
15 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
→ Ranch Dressing
16 -
1/4 cup mayonnaise
17 -
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
18 -
1/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
19 -
2 teaspoons fresh chives, finely chopped
20 -
1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
21 -
1 teaspoon white vinegar or fresh lemon juice
22 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
23 -
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
24 -
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
25 -
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
# Steps:
01 -
Slice mozzarella cheese into sticks approximately 3 by 2 inches each and set aside.
02 -
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together egg and water until thoroughly combined.
03 -
On a plate, combine breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.
04 -
Dredge each mozzarella stick in egg wash, then in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat a second time for a double coating. Arrange breaded sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
05 -
Place the baking sheet in the freezer and chill mozzarella sticks for 1 hour or until firm.
06 -
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, milk or buttermilk, chives, Italian herbs, vinegar or lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until use.
07 -
Heat neutral frying oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, fry mozzarella sticks in batches until all sides are golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per batch.
08 -
Transfer fried mozzarella sticks to a cooling rack to allow excess oil to drain.
09 -
In a heatproof bowl, combine cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Pour the reserved hot frying oil over the spice mixture and whisk together until fully blended.
10 -
Brush the hot spicy oil evenly over all sides of each mozzarella stick.
11 -
Transfer coated mozzarella sticks to a serving plate and serve immediately with chilled ranch dressing.
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure mozzarella sticks are thoroughly frozen before frying to maintain structural integrity during the cooking process.