Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks
Ingredients:
Mozzarella sticks:
12 mozzarella string cheese sticks (or block mozzarella cut into sticks)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tablespoon milk
1 ½ cups seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Nashville hot coating:
4 tablespoons hot oil (from frying)
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Pinch of salt
Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 30 minutes until they’re firm. This will help prevent them from melting too quickly during frying.
Place the flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs with milk. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy coating, dip again in egg and breadcrumbs. Freeze again for at least 20 more minutes to firm up before frying.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F.
Fry the sticks in batches for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove them and drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of the hot frying oil with cayenne pepprer, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
Gently toss or brush the freshly fried mozzarella sticks with the hot Nashville oil mixture. Serve with ranch dressing (optional).e