Spicy Southern Cheese Sticks (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb mozzarella, cut into 3x2 inch pieces
02 -
1 egg
03 -
1 tbsp water
04 -
Vegetable oil for frying
→ For the 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
→ For the Nashville Hot Sauce
11 -
1/2 cup melted butter, unsalted
12 -
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
13 -
1 tbsp brown sugar
14 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
15 -
1 tsp garlic, fresh minced or powdered
16 -
1 tsp salt
17 -
1 tsp pepper
18 -
1 tsp honey (optional)
→ For the 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, add all Nashville Hot Sauce ingredients. Continuously whisk until butter melts and allow to simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside
02 -
In a bowl, add all Buttermilk Ranch Dressing ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined. Set in the fridge until ready to serve
03 -
In a bowl mix together all ingredients listed under 'Breading' and set aside
04 -
Whisk together egg and water to create a simple egg wash
05 -
Take the prepared mozzarella pieces and coat in egg wash mixture. Then dip into the seasoned breading. Return to egg wash and finally another dip into breading for a double coating
06 -
Place breaded cheese on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and place in freezer for at least 30 minutes
07 -
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat to 350°F
08 -
Once mozzarella sticks are solid, gently slide them into the heated oil and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes
09 -
Transfer fried sticks to a cooling rack and brush on the Nashville hot sauce
10 -
Serve with a side of homemade ranch dressing
# Notes:
01 -
Double breading ensures a sturdy crust that won't leak
02 -
Freezing the sticks is crucial to prevent cheese from melting too quickly while frying
03 -
For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper
04 -
Ranch dressing can be made up to 2 days ahead