BREAKING: U.S. DOLLAR IS AT *RISK*… (you are in trouble)@cheatdayeats here with these Chili’s-inspired Honey Chipotle Mozzarella Sticks! Give this a try and let me know what you think!
For the Honey Chipotle Sauce: 1 (7-ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 1 1/2 cups honey 1/4 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar For the Mozzarella Sticks: 1 (16-ounce) block of low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella cheese 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3 large eggs 2 cups plain breadcrumbs Vegetable oil, for frying Instructions: Prepare the Honey Chipotle Sauce: In a blender, combine the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, honey, ketchup, and apple cider vinegar. Blend until smooth. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add chicken broth to thin it out. Set aside. Prepare the Mozzarella Sticks: Cut the mozzarella block into sticks, about 1/2-inch thick. Set up a breading station: In one shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs. First, dredge the cheese in the seasoned flour. Then, dip in the whisked eggs. Finally, coat thoroughly in the breadcrumbs. For a thicker crust, dip the breaded sticks back into the egg wash, and then back into the bread crumbs. Place the breaded mozzarella sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour. This is crucial for preventing the cheese from leaking out during frying. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the frozen mozzarella sticks to the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried mozzarella sticks with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Toss the fried mozzarella sticks in the warm honey chipotle sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping, if desired.
