Honey Chipotle Mozzarella Sticks
There is something magical about the combination of crispy breading and warm, stretchy cheese, and these Honey Chipotle Mozzarella Sticks deliver that magic every single time. They are bold, sweet, smoky, and impossible to walk away from once you start snacking. The honey chipotle sauce brings heat and sweetness, while the cool buttermilk ranch balances every bite with creamy comfort. Whether you are planning game day food, a party appetizer, or a late night treat in the kitchen, this recipe guarantees a moment of pure indulgence.
Why You Are Going To Love This Recipe
- The cheese pull is unreal thanks to thick cut mozzarella pieces.
- The honey chipotle sauce adds a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and smokiness.
- The cool buttermilk ranch gives you the perfect dipping experience in every bite.
- The breading is extra crispy and stays crunchy even after dipping.
- You can prep them ahead by freezing, which makes frying fast and easy.
Ingredients
Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella cheese, cut into thick pieces
Canola oil, for frying
Honey Chipotle Sauce
Honey
Water
Chipotle peppers in adobo
Ketchup
Apple cider vinegar
Salt
Pepper
Buttermilk Ranch
Mayo
Sour cream
Buttermilk
Chives
Lemon juice
Parsley
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Salt
Pepper
Sugar
Breading
Panko breadcrumbs
Oregano
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt
Pepper
Egg Wash
Egg
Water
How To Make Honey Chipotle Mozzarella Sticks
Make the Buttermilk Ranch
- In a bowl, add all ingredients listed under Buttermilk Ranch.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Make the Honey Chipotle Sauce
- In a small pan over medium low heat, combine all ingredients listed under Honey Chipotle Sauce.
- Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
- Allow it to simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Breading
- Mix together all breading ingredients in a shallow bowl.
Prepare the Egg Wash
- Whisk the egg and water together until smooth.
Bread the Mozzarella
- Heat a pot of canola oil to 350F.
- Dip each piece of mozzarella into the egg wash, then into the breadcrumbs, then back into the egg wash, and finish with another coat of breadcrumbs.
- Press the breadcrumbs firmly so they stick well.
Fry
- Fry the mozzarella sticks for 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Serve immediately with honey chipotle sauce and buttermilk ranch.
Storage and Reheating
- If you want to prep these ahead, bread the mozzarella and freeze them in a single layer until firm. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer safe bag.
- Frying from frozen takes about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Fried mozzarella sticks are best served fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Honey Chipotle Mozzarella Sticks
There’s something unforgettable about that first pull of molten mozzarella, but these Honey Chipotle Mozzarella Sticks take it to an entirely new level. They’re crispy, gooey, sweet, smoky, and just spicy enough to make you reach for another before you’ve even finished the first. The warm honey-chipotle glaze brings a bold kick that pairs beautifully with the cool, creamy buttermilk ranch. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding a crowd, or treating yourself to a late-night snack, these mozzarella sticks turn any moment into a little celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 lb mozzarella cut into 3×2 inch pieces
- Canola oil for frying
Honey Chipotle Sauce
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tbsp ketchup 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Buttermilk Ranch
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp chives dried or fresh
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp parsley dried or fresh
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp sugar
Breading
- 3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Egg Wash
- 2 large egg
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Buttermilk Ranch
- In a bowl, add all ingredients listed under “Buttermilk Ranch” and mix until thoroughly combined. Set in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Honey Chipotle Sauce
- In a pan over medium-low heat, add all ingredients listed under “Honey Chipotle Sauce.” Stir and allow the sauce to simmer and come to a boil.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes and as the sauce reduces it will thicken. Once thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove from heat and set aside.
Breading
- Mix together all ingredients listed under “Breading” and set aside.
Egg Wash
- Whisk together all ingredients listed under “Egg Wash” and set aside.
Assemble
- Heat a pot of canola oil to 350F.
- Working in batches, dip each piece of mozzarella cheese into the egg wash, then into the seasoned breadcrumbs, back into the egg wash, and finish with a final dredge in the breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece to help them adhere.
- Once coated, fry for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with a side of ranch dressing and enjoy!
Notes
Note: If preparing ahead, you can freeze the breaded pieces until ready to fry.
If frying from frozen, cook for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown.
If frying from frozen, cook for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown.
