Description
Crispy Homemade Fried Cheese Bites are a deliciously gooey and crunchy appetizer featuring mozzarella or cheddar cheese coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Perfectly crispy on the outside with melty cheese inside, these bites make an irresistible snack or party treat served with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 oz block mozzarella or cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional
- Marinara or ranch for dipping
Instructions
- Freeze Cheese Cubes: Place the cheese cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying, ensuring the bites stay crispy and hold their shape.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. This setup will help create a well-coated and flavorful crust for the cheese bites.
- Bread the Cheese: Dredge each frozen cheese cube first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For an extra thick crust, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating process. Place the breaded cubes back on a tray and freeze again for 10–15 minutes to solidify the coating.
- Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying.
- Fry Cheese Bites: Fry the cheese bites in small batches for 1–2 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the bites using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve the cheese bites hot with marinara, ranch, or your preferred dipping sauce for the best experience.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from oozing out and to achieve a crispy exterior.
- You can experiment with different cheeses such as pepper jack or gouda for different flavors and textures.
- For a thicker crust, double coat the cheese cubes with egg and breadcrumbs before frying.
- Maintain the oil temperature consistently at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked bites.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
