Nashville Hot Honey Mozzarella Sticks

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Ingredients:

• Mozzarella, cut into 1/4 inch sticks/slices

• 1 cup italian bread crumbs

• 1 egg, whisked with 1 tbsp water

• vegetable oil, for frying

Nashville Hot Sauce

• 1/4 cup salted butter

• 1 tsp red chili powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt (or 1 tsp if using unsalted butter)

• 1 tsp hot honey (or regular honey)

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Instructions:

1. Bread the mozzarella by first dipping it in the egg mixture, then coating completely with the breadcrumbs. Dip each mozzarella stick in the egg and breadcrumb mixture twice, then place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.

2. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for 20-30 minutes.

3. Prepare the Nashville hot sauce by adding all of the sauce ingredients to a small sauce pan. Once the butter has completely melted, let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat.

4. Deep fry the mozzarella sticks (or cook in an air fryer), until golden brown on all sides. Drain the mozzarella sticks on some paper towels to soak up any extra oil, then generously brush each one with the hot sauce. Serve immediately.