Description
Crispy, golden on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Fried Cheese Bites are the perfect savory snack or appetizer. Made with blocks of mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and fried to perfection, they’re irresistibly delicious and easy to make at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 lb block of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix), cut into 1-inch cubes
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Cubes: Cut your block of cheese into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- Prepare Flour Coating: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl or plate for the first coating step.
- Beat the Eggs: In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and combined.
- Mix Seasoned Breadcrumbs: In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat with Flour: Dip each cheese cube into the flour, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
- Coat with Egg: Next, dip the floured cheese cubes into the beaten eggs to moisten the surface.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the egg-dipped cheese cubes in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs to adhere well.
- Freeze Before Frying: Place the breaded cheese cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent excessive melting during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to cover the cheese bites. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C), or until a small piece of bread sizzles and turns golden within 30 seconds.
- Fry the Cheese Bites: Fry the cheese bites in batches without overcrowding the pan, cooking for about 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried cheese bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Freezing the breaded cheese cubes before frying helps maintain their shape and prevents cheese from oozing out too quickly.
- Use oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for best frying results.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella for stretchiness or sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor.
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular.
- Serve immediately after frying for the best texture and taste.
