Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks

Servings: 6

Total time: 50 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal® Kosher Salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 (16 oz.) low-moisture mozzarella block, sliced into ½-inch planks
2 quarts vegetable oil, for frying
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons hot sauce
½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Chopped fresh green onions, for garnish
Ranch dressing, for serving

DIRECTIONS

Place flour in small shallow bowl. Beat eggs in separate small bowl. Whisk together bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt and pepper in separate third bowl.
Coat each mozzarella plank in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat well with seasoned bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Freeze coated mozzarella until solid, at least 1 hour.
Heat oil in deep pot or dutch oven, to 375°F. Fry mozzarella planks, 2 at a time, until golden-brown and cheese is softened, about 2-3 minutes each. Transfer to paper-towel-lined plate to drain.
Combine honey, hot sauce and cayenne in large heat-safe bowl. Ladle in about ¼ cup of hot vegetable oil from frying and stir to bloom spices and melt honey. Add mozzarella planks and toss gently to coat. Garnish with green onions and serve warm with ranch dressing.