Mozzarella Sticks with Nashville Hot Sauce and BUBBL’R Triple Berry Breez’r
Mozzarella sticks are a classic snack that never disappoints. The combination of crispy, golden breadcrumbs surrounding melty mozzarella cheese makes them irresistible. When paired with the spicy, tangy heat of Nashville Hot Sauce and a refreshing BUBBL’R Triple Berry Breez’r, they transform into the perfect appetizer or party treat. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps of making these indulgent mozzarella sticks at home, along with a fiery Nashville Hot Sauce that will elevate them to a whole new level.
Ingredients for Mozzarella Sticks
For the Mozzarella Sticks:
- 1 block Whole Milk Mozzarella (low moisture)
- 1 cup Flour
- 3 large Eggs
- 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp. EACH: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika
- ½ tsp. EACH: Cayenne Pepper, Salt, & Black Pepper
- Neutral Frying Oil (for frying)
- BUBBL’R Triple Berry Breez’r (for serving)
For the Nashville Hot Sauce:
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter
- 1 tbsp. Brown Sugar
- ¼ cup Honey
- 1 tsp. Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp. Hot Sauce or sriracha (to taste)
- Ranch Dressing (for dipping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Mozzarella Sticks
The first step in creating these delicious mozzarella sticks is to prepare the mozzarella. Start by slicing the mozzarella block into thick pieces, about ½-inch thick. This ensures that the cheese will hold up during frying and provide the perfect amount of meltiness inside each stick.
Next, set up a battering station using three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Add flour. This will be the first layer of coating for the mozzarella sticks.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs until smooth. This will act as the adhesive that helps the breadcrumbs stick.
- Bowl 3: In this bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. The seasoned panko breadcrumbs will give the mozzarella sticks a crunchy exterior with a little kick.
Dredging Process: Now it’s time to coat each mozzarella stick. Start by dredging each piece through the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the egg wash. Finally, press the mozzarella stick into the panko breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. For an extra crispy coating, you can repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb step. This double coating technique helps to keep the cheese inside the stick from leaking out during frying.
Once coated, place the mozzarella sticks on a flat plate or sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Arrange them in a single layer and freeze for about 10-15 minutes. Freezing helps the sticks hold their shape and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when fried.
2. Making the Nashville Hot Sauce
While the mozzarella sticks are freezing, prepare the Nashville Hot Sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter and combine it with brown sugar and honey. Stir until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to bubble. This will create a sweet, spicy base for the sauce.
Next, stir in smoked paprika to give the sauce a smoky flavor, and hot sauce or sriracha to add heat. Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your preferred spice level. Keep the sauce on low heat to prevent it from thickening too much. The sauce should remain slightly runny for easier brushing onto the mozzarella sticks later.
3. Frying the Mozzarella Sticks
Now, it’s time to fry the mozzarella sticks! In a large saucepan, heat neutral frying oil to 350°F. You’ll need about 4-5 inches of oil to fry the sticks properly.
Fry the mozzarella sticks in small batches of 2-3 sticks at a time. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the mozzarella sticks are deeply golden brown and crispy. Make sure to turn them gently as they cook to ensure even browning on all sides. The result will be perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining gooey and melty on the inside.
Once fried, remove the mozzarella sticks from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
4. Serving the Mozzarella Sticks
Working quickly while the mozzarella sticks are still hot, brush each one generously with the Nashville hot sauce. This will infuse the sticks with the bold, spicy flavor of the sauce. The warm mozzarella sticks will absorb the sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
Serve the mozzarella sticks immediately with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. The creamy, tangy ranch will provide a cooling contrast to the spicy hot sauce. And to complement the heat, enjoy these crispy delights with a refreshing BUBBL’R Triple Berry Breez’r. The lightly flavored, carbonated drink adds the perfect fizzy touch to balance out the richness of the cheese and spice from the hot sauce.
Tips for the Best Mozzarella Sticks
- Freezing is Key: Don’t skip the freezing step. Freezing the mozzarella sticks helps to keep the cheese from oozing out while frying. If you have extra time, you can even freeze them overnight for an extra firm coating.
- Double Coating for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy exterior, double-dip your mozzarella sticks in the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture. This will create a thick, crunchy crust that will keep the cheese from leaking out.
- Adjust the Heat: Customize the level of heat in the Nashville hot sauce by adjusting the amount of hot sauce or sriracha. If you prefer a milder flavor, use less hot sauce, or opt for a mild version.
- Dipping Sauce: While ranch dressing is a classic choice, you can experiment with other sauces as well. Blue cheese dressing or a tangy garlic aioli would pair perfectly with these crispy mozzarella sticks.
- Serving with BUBBL’R: The refreshing, fruity taste of BUBBL’R Triple Berry Breez’r works wonders with the heat of the Nashville hot sauce. The drink helps cleanse your palate between bites, making it an ideal pairing.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe for homemade mozzarella sticks with Nashville hot sauce combines two beloved flavors: the comfort of gooey mozzarella cheese and the fiery heat of Nashville hot sauce. By frying the sticks to golden perfection and brushing them with a homemade sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, smoky, and spicy, you create a truly irresistible snack.
The Nashville hot sauce brings bold flavors to the dish, while the panko breadcrumb coating ensures that each bite is satisfying and crispy. Pairing the mozzarella sticks with a refreshing drink like BUBBL’R Triple Berry Breez’r adds an extra element of enjoyment, making this the perfect appetizer for a party or a fun snack to enjoy anytime.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a delicious snack, these homemade mozzarella sticks with Nashville hot sauce and BUBBL’R Triple Berry Breez’r are sure to impress. The crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and fiery sauce create an unforgettable combination, while the refreshing beverage ensures that your taste buds stay balanced. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the perfect blend of heat, crunch, and flavor!
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