Description
A bold and spicy twist on classic mozzarella sticks, these Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks feature crispy, double-breaded cheese fried to perfection and coated in a fiery Nashville hot sauce. Paired with a cool, creamy buttermilk ranch dressing, they make a perfect appetizer or snack for lovers of spicy Southern flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Nashville Hot Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted melted 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)
Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 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 black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Breading
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 lb mozzarella cheese, cut into 3x2 inch pieces
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare Nashville Hot Sauce: In a small pot over low heat, combine melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional honey. Continuously whisk until the butter melts and the mixture simmers for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and salt. Set aside.
- Make Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl to create an egg wash for coating the mozzarella sticks.
- Coat the Mozzarella: Dip each mozzarella stick first into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the process – dip back into the egg wash and again into the breadcrumbs for a double coating to ensure a crispy crust.
- Freeze the Breaded Cheese: Place the double-coated mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up before frying.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat over medium-high until the temperature reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Mozzarella Sticks: Carefully slide the frozen mozzarella sticks into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Sauce: Remove the fried sticks using a slotted spoon and place on a cooling rack. Immediately brush each stick with the prepared Nashville hot sauce for that signature spicy coating.
- Serve: Plate the Nashville hot mozzarella sticks alongside the chilled buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping and enjoy your spicy, cheesy snack!
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during frying.
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper in the hot sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- If you prefer a less spicy version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper from the hot sauce.
- Use fresh herbs in the ranch dressing for a brighter flavor where possible.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 sticks
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Nashville hot mozzarella sticks, spicy mozzarella sticks, fried mozzarella, southern appetizer, spicy snack
