Description
Crispy, gooey, and packed with a fiery kick, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks take classic fried cheese to the next level! Each bite delivers a crunchy golden coating, melted mozzarella center, and a spicy, buttery Nashville glaze. Paired with a cool buttermilk ranch dip, this is the ultimate appetizer for spice lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 1 lb mozzarella, cut into 3×2-inch pieces
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Breading:
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic (fresh minced or powdered)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
For the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp chives (dried or fresh)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp parsley (dried or fresh)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks
- Cut mozzarella into 3×2-inch pieces and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 1 hour to prevent cheese from melting while frying.
- Set Up the Breading Station
- In one bowl, whisk together egg and water.
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and salt.
- Dip each mozzarella piece into egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Repeat for a double coating.
- Freeze again for 30 minutes.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Nashville Hot Sauce
- Prepare the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar.
- Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the Nashville hot mozzarella sticks and serve with buttermilk ranch.
Notes
- Freeze before frying to keep the cheese from melting too quickly.
- Double coat the breading for extra crispiness.
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
- For a healthier version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American