Description
Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks deliver a spicy twist on the classic fried cheese snack. Crunchy and golden on the outside with gooey, melted mozzarella inside, these sticks are coated in a flavorful cayenne-spiked breading and finished with an addictive hot oil glaze, perfect for dipping in cool ranch dressing.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 1 lb. part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Canola oil, for frying
Spicy Oil
- 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- About 1/2 cup reserved hot frying oil (from frying mozzarella)
For Serving
- Ranch dressing
Instructions
- Prepare the Mozzarella: Cut the mozzarella block into 6 rectangles approximately 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick to ensure even frying and easy handling.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In three separate shallow bowls, mix the flour with salt, paprika, and cayenne; whisk the eggs with hot sauce; place panko breadcrumbs plain in the third bowl. This setup allows for an efficient breading process.
- Bread the Mozzarella Sticks: One stick at a time, toss mozzarella pieces in the flour mixture thoroughly, then dip into the egg mixture letting excess drip off. Coat well with panko breadcrumbs by pressing them onto the cheese sticks. Lay the sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to firm up before frying.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour canola oil to 2-inch depth in a heavy skillet and heat over medium-high until the oil reaches 350°F, using a deep-fry thermometer to monitor temperature accurately.
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Fry the frozen coated mozzarella sticks in batches to avoid crowding, turning halfway, until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the frying oil for the spicy glaze.
- Prepare Spicy Hot Oil: In a heatproof bowl, combine cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Carefully ladle the reserved hot frying oil into the spices while stirring to make the spicy seasoning oil.
- Finish and Serve: Place the fried mozzarella sticks on a wire rack and brush both sides generously with the prepared hot spicy oil. Serve immediately with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded sticks before frying prevents the cheese from oozing out during cooking, ensuring crispiness.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully; if too hot, the coating will burn before the cheese melts, and if too cool, the sticks will absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- The spicy oil can be adjusted in heat by reducing cayenne or chili powder according to taste preferences.
- Canola oil is preferred for frying due to its high smoke point.
- Serve immediately after coating with spicy oil for best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American