DOUBLE RANCH MOZZARELLA STICKS

Double Ranch Mozzarella Sticks image

This is a dream recipe for ranch-dressing superfans (you probably know one, or maybe you are one). Creamy, peppery ranch dressing became hugely popular in the 1990s, and now it often shows up on chicken wings, burgers, tacos, pizza and even mozzarella sticks. In this recipe, the bread-crumb coating is spiked with ranch seasoning, and then the crunchy nuggets of melted cheese get dipped into cooling ranch. Or you could go back to the classic dip for these: marinara sauce.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories snack, cocktails, finger foods, project, appetizer

Time 2h40m

Yield About 20 sticks

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 pound low-moisture (packaged) mozzarella, in one piece
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
3 tablespoons buttermilk
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (store-bought, or see our classic ranch dressing recipe)
2 cups panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
1 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Vegetable oil, for frying
Kosher salt
Classic ranch dressing or ranch dressing with fresh herbs, for serving (see recipe)

Steps:

Cut the mozzarella into sticks about 3 inches long and 3/4 inch thick.
Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place three shallow bowls on a work surface. Place the flour in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk together. In a third bowl, combine the ranch seasoning with panko, parsley, dill and oregano.
Working one at a time, dredge a piece of mozzarella in flour. Dip in the egg mixture, let any extra drip off and then roll in panko mixture, pressing gently to coat well. Place on the baking sheet and repeat with remaining ingredients. Freeze at least 2 hours and up to 1 week. To store, transfer frozen sticks to bags or containers.
When ready to serve, heat 2 inches oil to 350 degrees in a large pot over medium heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, fry the frozen sticks until golden brown all over, turning occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately sprinkle lightly with salt.
Serve with thick ranch dressing, for dipping.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 180, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 173 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams