Served alongside a thick, garlicky homemade ranch, these Nashville mozzarella sticks deliver that viral, dramatic cheese pull along with bold heat in every single bite.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
The Nashville hot sauce, made with frying oil and spices, delivers that authentic, smoky, fiery Nashville flavor without needing a separate spice-heavy butter base
INGREDIENTS
For the mozzarella sticks you need: Mozzarella, Flour, Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Hot oil, Cayenne pepper, Paprika, and Chili powder
Cut the mozzarella blocks into rectangular planks, roughly stick-shaped but wider and flatter than a traditional round mozzarella stick.
STEP 1: CUT THE MOZZARELLA
Set up a three-step breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Double bread each mozzarella plank.
STEP 2: SET UP THE BREADING STATION
Place the breaded sticks onto a wire rack set on a sheet tray. Once all the sticks are breaded, freeze for a minimum of 2 hours.
STEP 3: FREEZE THE STICKS
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic paste, and seasonings. Add buttermilk until you reach your desired thickness.
STEP 4: MAKE THE RANCH
Fill a large pot about two-thirds full with vegetable oil and heat to 350°F. Drop the frozen mozzarella sticks in 3 to 4 at a time, frying until golden brown.
STEP 5: FRY THE MOZZARELLA STICKS
Combine ½ cup of the hot frying oil directly from the pot with the cayenne pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Whisk together until fully combined.
STEP 6: MAKE THE NASHVILLE HOT SAUCE
Brush each mozzarella stick with the Nashville hot sauce immediately after it comes out of the fryer. Serve right away with the chilled homemade ranch.
STEP 7: SAUCE AND SERVE
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