Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 1 lb. part-skim mozzarella
- 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
Serving
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
- Cut the mozzarella: Slice the mozzarella into 6 rectangles approximately 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick to create uniform sticks for frying.
- Prepare the coatings: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, kosher salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and hot sauce until fully combined. Pour panko breadcrumbs into a third shallow bowl.
- Coat the mozzarella: Working one piece at a time, dredge each mozzarella stick first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs ensuring a thorough coating. Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the sticks: Freeze the coated mozzarella sticks until firm to prevent cheese from leaking during frying, for at least 30 minutes and up to overnight.
- Heat the oil: Pour canola oil into a heavy, heatproof skillet fitted with a deep-fry thermometer to a depth of 2 inches. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry mozzarella sticks: Working in batches, fry the frozen mozzarella sticks, turning once halfway through, until they are golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and reserve some of the hot oil for the spicy sauce.
- Make the spicy oil: In a heatproof bowl, combine cayenne pepper, light brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Carefully ladle about 1/2 cup of the reserved hot frying oil into the spice mixture and stir to blend into a spicy seasoned oil.
- Brush sticks with spicy oil: Place the mozzarella sticks on a wire rack and brush the hot spicy oil evenly on both sides to coat them with bold heat and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks warm alongside ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the mozzarella sticks before frying is essential to prevent cheese from leaking out during frying.
- Monitor oil temperature carefully to maintain 350°F for crispy, perfectly cooked sticks.
- You can adjust the cayenne in both the coating and the spicy oil to change the heat level according to your preference.
- Use a heavy, deep skillet to safely handle the oil and maintain consistent temperature.
- Ensure panko breadcrumbs adhere well by gently pressing them onto the mozzarella before freezing.
- Serve immediately for the best texture—crispy exterior and melty interior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American