Nashville Hot Mozzarella Stick
Mozzarella sticks coated in a fiery Nashville‑style spice blend, fried crispy, then brushed with hot cayenne oil. Served with cool, creamy ranch dip for balance.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
- 1.1 lb mozzarella cheese cut into 3×2-inch sticks
- 1 large egg + 1 Tbsp water
- 2 cups plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Nashville Hot Sauce
- ¾ cup reserved frying oil
- ¼ cup ground cayenne pepper
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Ranch Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 2 tsp fresh chives chopped
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice
- ¼ tsp garlic powder onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper
Instructions
- Slice mozzarella into sticks about 3×2 inches. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Whisk the egg and water together in a bowl.
- Mix breadcrumbs with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each cheese stick in egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat to double coat. Put them back on the sheet.
- Freeze the breaded sticks for at least 1 hour. This keeps them from melting when fried.
- Mix all ranch dip ingredients in a bowl and chill in the fridge.
- Heat oil to 350°F. Fry the sticks in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden. Drain on a rack or paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix all the spices. Slowly whisk in some of the hot frying oil until it becomes a spicy sauce.
- Brush or drizzle the Nashville hot oil over the fried mozzarella sticks.
- Serve the spicy cheese sticks warm with the chilled ranch dip. Enjoy while gooey!