Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

These Nashville hot mozzarella sticks are the bomb. They’re extraordinarily spicy, crispy, and gooey.

Prep Time	5 mins
Cook Time:	25 mins
Total Time	1 hr
Servings	4

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) block mozzarella cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 large eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 1/3 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons paprika, divided
2 cups vegetable oil for frying, or more as needed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
1/4 cup brown sugar
ranch dressing for dipping

Directions

Step 1: –

Cut mozzarella cheese into 8 “plank”-shaped pieces, about 1/2-inch thick.

Step 2: –

Whisk flour in a shallow dish with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. In a second shallow dish, add beaten egg and whisk in hot sauce. In a third shallow dish, stir together breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon paprika. Set a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet.

Step 3: –

Coat each piece of cheese in flour and shake off excess. Coat evenly with egg mixture and then place in the breadcrumbs. Coat evenly with breadcrumbs.

Step 4: –

Return cheese to the egg and back into breadcrumbs, lightly pressing to adhere breadcrumbs. Place breaded cheese on the prepared wire rack. Repeat breading process with remaining cheese pieces. Place in freezer for 30 minutes.

Step 5: –

Meanwhile, pour oil into a deep saucepan to a depth of 3 inches, and heat oil to 365 to 375 degrees F (185 to 190 degrees C). Combine remaining salt, pepper, and paprika with garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar in a heatproof bowl; stir until well blended.

Step 6: –

Working a few at a time, carefully lower cheese pieces into hot oil. Fry about 1 minute, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. Drain on wire rack.

Step 7: –

Carefully pour 1 1/4 cups hot oil into the bowl with cayenne mixture and stir until well combined. Coat each cheese stick lightly in seasoned oil and return to wire rack to allow excess to drip off.

Step 8: –

Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrition

Calories	1006
Fat	57g
Carbs	85g
Protein	41g

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