Description
Crispy homemade fried cheese bites deliver golden-brown perfection with irresistible crunch. Mediterranean-style appetizers promise melty goodness that melts hearts and satisfies cravings with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredient:
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Precision cube or slice the cheese into uniform 1-inch portions to guarantee consistent cooking and crispy exterior.
- Prepare three distinct coating zones: one for flour dusting, another for egg immersion, and the final station for seasoned breadcrumb mixture containing garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Methodically coat each cheese piece by first rolling in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then thoroughly dipping into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Transfer flour and egg-coated cheese into breadcrumb mixture, gently rotating to create an even, textured exterior that will crisp during frying.
- Arrange breaded cheese morsels on parchment-lined tray, maintaining space between pieces to prevent sticking.
- Chill coated cheese bites in freezer for minimum 30 minutes, which helps maintain structural integrity during high-temperature frying.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to precise 350°F, monitoring temperature for optimal golden-brown results.
- Carefully lower frozen cheese portions into hot oil, working in small batches to maintain consistent oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
- Fry until exterior transforms into a rich, golden-brown color, approximately 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally for uniform crispness.
- Extract cheese bites using slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels.
- Serve immediately alongside complementary dipping sauces such as zesty marinara, creamy ranch, or tangy honey mustard.
Notes
- Freeze the cheese bites before frying to prevent melting and help the coating stick better during cooking.
- Choose hard cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella that hold their shape when heated and create a crispy exterior.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness and lighter texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
- Double-coat the cheese bites for a thicker, more robust crust that stays crisp longer after frying.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg