Cut the mozzarella cheese into 8 thick sticks.

Prepare three bowls:

Bowl 1: flour, salt, and pepper

Bowl 2: eggs mixed with hot sauce

Bowl 3: breadcrumbs, panko, and paprika

Coat each cheese stick in flour, then dip in egg mixture, then coat in breadcrumbs.

Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating to create a double layer.

Place coated sticks on a rack and freeze for 30 minutes.

Heat oil to 365–375°F (185–190°C).

In a heatproof bowl, mix remaining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, and brown sugar.

Fry mozzarella sticks in batches for about 1 minute until golden and crispy.

Remove and drain on a rack.

Carefully mix hot oil with the spice mixture to create the Nashville hot coating.

Lightly coat each mozzarella stick in the spicy oil.

Serve immediately with ranch dressing.

These Nashville Hot Mozzarella Sticks are best served hot and fresh for maximum cheese pull and crunch.