Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 lb mozzarella, cut into 3×2 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 butter, melted
12 - 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
13 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
14 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1 tsp minced garlic or garlic powder
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 all ingredients under 'Nashville Hot Sauce.' Whisk continuously until the butter melts and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
02 - In a bowl, mix all ingredients under 'Buttermilk Ranch Dressing' until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - In a bowl, combine all ingredients under 'Breading' and set aside.
04 - Whisk together egg and water to make an egg wash. Coat each piece of mozzarella in the egg wash, then dredge in the seasoned breading. Repeat the process to create a double coating for a crispy crust.
05 - Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes to solidify.
06 - Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the mozzarella sticks until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
07 - Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a cooling rack and brush them with the prepared Nashville Hot Sauce.
08 - Serve the mozzarella sticks with a side of chilled homemade ranch dressing.