Nashville Hot Cheese Sticks (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - Block of whole milk mozzarella cheese (1 pound).
02 - 1 cup of plain all-purpose flour.
03 - 3 large eggs, beaten.
04 - 1 cup of panko flakes (breadcrumbs).
05 - Similar amount of plain breadcrumbs (1 cup).
06 - 1 teaspoon of cayenne, plus 2 tablespoons split into portions.
07 - Smoked paprika—1 teaspoon for one step and 1 teaspoon later.
08 - Garlic powder—split into halves (1/2 teaspoon and 1/2 teaspoon).
09 - 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder.
10 - Melted, unsalted butter (1/2 cup).
11 - 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar.
12 - A pinch of chili powder (optional, about 1/2 teaspoon).
13 - 2-3 tablespoons of your choice of hot sauce.
14 - Avocado oil for deep frying.

# Instructions:

01 - Slice your mozzarella into sticks, about 3 inches long and half an inch thick.
02 - In separate bowls, set up the flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumb mix (already seasoned).
03 - Each stick gets a double layer: dip in flour, egg, and then the breadcrumb mixture.
04 - Place the coated sticks in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
05 - Fry them in hot oil at 375°F (about 1-2 minutes per stick) until they look crispy and golden.
06 - Combine the melted butter, your chosen spices, and the hot sauce in a bowl.
07 - Toss fried cheese sticks in the spicy butter mix and serve them while they're hot.

# Notes:

01 - Freezing them beforehand is a must.
02 - Give sticks a double layer of coating for crunch.
03 - They're best eaten fresh off the plate.

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