Homemade Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks

Ingredients

• •12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
• •1 cup all-purpose flour
• •3 large eggs
• •3 tbsp hot sauce (like Louisiana or Frank's)
• •2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• •1 tsp garlic powder (for the breading)
• •1 tsp smoked paprika (for the breading)
• •Vegetable oil (for frying)
• •3 tbsp cayenne pepper (for the hot oil)
• •1 tbsp brown sugar (for the hot oil)
• •1 tsp garlic powder (for the hot oil)
• •1 tsp smoked paprika (for the hot oil)
• •1/2 tsp salt (for the hot oil)
• •1/2 cup hot frying oil (reserved from the frying pot)

Instructions

1. 1Unwrap the mozzarella sticks, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for at least 2 hours to prevent them from melting during frying.
2. 2Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the eggs whisked together with the hot sauce, and one with the panko mixed with 1 tsp garlic powder and 1 tsp smoked paprika.
3. 3Coat each frozen cheese stick completely in the flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and firmly press it into the seasoned panko.
4. 4For extra crunch and to ensure the cheese doesn't leak, double dip the sticks by returning them to the egg mixture and then back into the panko.
5. 5Return the coated mozzarella sticks to the freezer for another 30 minutes to set the breading.
6. 6Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. 7Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
8. 8Carefully whisk together the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and 1/2 cup of the hot frying oil in a heat-proof bowl.
9. 9Brush the hot spice oil generously over the fried mozzarella sticks and serve immediately.