Ingredients
→ Base Ingredients
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 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 minced garlic or garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp honey (optional)
→ 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 pepper
1/2 tsp sugar
Steps
In a small pot over low heat, combine all ingredients under ‘Nashville Hot Sauce.’ Whisk continuously until the butter melts and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a bowl, mix all ingredients under ‘Buttermilk Ranch Dressing’ until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
In a bowl, combine all ingredients under ‘Breading’ and set aside.
Whisk together egg and water to make an egg wash. Coat each piece of mozzarella in the egg wash, then dredge in the seasoned breading. Repeat the process to create a double coating for a crispy crust.
Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to solidify.
Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the mozzarella sticks until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a cooling rack and brush them with the prepared Nashville Hot Sauce.
Serve the mozzarella sticks with a side of chilled homemade ranch dressing.
Tips
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly.
- For less spice, reduce the cayenne pepper in the Nashville Hot Sauce recipe.
Required Tools
- Small pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Deep frying pan
- Kitchen thermometer