Hot Mozzarella Sticks (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Key Ingredients
01 -
Vegetable oil (sufficient for deep frying)
02 -
Water (1 tablespoon)
03 -
Large egg (1)
04 -
Fresh mozzarella (1 pound, cut into slices about 3x2 inches)
→ Crispy Coating Blend
05 -
Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
06 -
Salt (½ teaspoon)
07 -
Breadcrumbs (2 cups)
08 -
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
09 -
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
10 -
Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
→ Spicy Glaze
11 -
Cayenne pepper (1 tablespoon)
12 -
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon)
13 -
Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted)
14 -
Salt (1 teaspoon)
15 -
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon)
16 -
Honey (1 teaspoon, optional for a sweet kick)
17 -
Fresh minced or powdered garlic (1 teaspoon)
18 -
Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
→ Creamy Dipping Sauce
19 -
Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon)
20 -
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon)
21 -
Salt (1 teaspoon)
22 -
Buttermilk (½ cup)
23 -
Mayonnaise (½ cup)
24 -
Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
25 -
Sugar (½ teaspoon)
26 -
Sour cream (½ cup)
27 -
Black pepper (½ teaspoon)
28 -
Fresh or dried parsley (1 teaspoon)
29 -
Fresh or dried chives (2 teaspoons)
# Instructions:
01 -
Melt butter on low heat in a small saucepan, tossing in all the ingredients for the hot glaze. Stir non-stop while the butter melts down. Once everything’s mixed and simmered for a minute or two, set aside.
02 -
Stir together all the ingredients for the creamy ranch sauce in a bowl until you’ve got a smooth mix. Chill in the fridge while the rest of the process is underway.
03 -
Grab a mixing bowl and toss in your breadcrumbs, spices, and herbs. Give it a thorough mix so the flavor’s nice and even. Keep it handy for assembling.
04 -
Whisk the egg and water in a bowl to create a quick egg wash. Arrange your assembly line with the mozzarella slices, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture.
05 -
Take each piece of mozzarella and first dip it in the egg mixture, then cover it with the breadcrumbs. Repeat for a second layer of both. This’ll give a great crunchy outside.
06 -
Lay the breaded cheese sticks on a tray covered with parchment. Freeze for around half an hour. This stops the cheese from leaking when it hits the hot oil.
07 -
Heat a couple of inches of oil to 350°F. Fry the frozen sticks carefully for about 2 or 3 minutes until they’re golden and crisp. Lay them on a rack to cool a little.
08 -
Brush the hot sticks generously with the spicy glaze while they’re still warm. Plate them with the chilled ranch sauce and dive in!
# Notes:
01 -
Take your mozzarella sticks up a notch with a bold kick from Nashville heat and a creamy ranch dip.
02 -
Double-dipping in breadcrumbs ensures a super crispy layer that holds its own under the glaze.
03 -
Freezing the sticks first stops the cheese from melting out when they’re fried.
04 -
Try making the dipping sauce a little ahead of time. It tastes even better later!