Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb mozzarella, cut into 3x2 inch pieces
02 - 1 egg
03 - 1 tbsp water
04 - Vegetable oil for frying

→ Breading

05 - 2 cups breadcrumbs
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1 tsp onion powder
08 - 1 tsp oregano
09 - 1 tsp pepper
10 - 1/2 tsp salt

→ Nashville Hot Sauce

11 - 1/2 cup unsalted melted butter
12 - 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
13 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
14 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1 tsp garlic, fresh minced or powdered
16 - 1 tsp salt
17 - 1 tsp pepper
18 - 1 tsp honey (optional)

→ Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

19 - 1/2 cup mayo
20 - 1/2 cup sour cream
21 - 1/2 cup buttermilk
22 - 2 tsp chives, dried or fresh
23 - 1 tsp lemon juice
24 - 1 tsp parsley, dried or fresh
25 - 1 tsp onion powder
26 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
27 - 1 tsp salt
28 - 1/2 tsp pepper
29 - 1/2 tsp sugar

# Instructions:

01 - In a small pot over low heat, combine the melted butter, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional honey. Whisk continuously until the butter melts. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
02 - In a bowl, mix the mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, lemon juice, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and sugar until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper, and salt. Set aside.
04 - Whisk together the egg and water to create an egg wash. Coat the mozzarella pieces in the egg wash, then in the breading mixture. Repeat the process for a double breading, ensuring a sturdy crust. Place coated sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
05 - Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat to 175°C (350°F). Once frozen, fry mozzarella sticks in hot oil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a cooling rack.
06 - Brush the fried mozzarella sticks with the prepared Nashville hot sauce.
07 - Serve hot with a side of homemade buttermilk ranch dressing.