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Fried Cheese Bites

Fried Cheese Bites

Golden, crispy Fried Cheese Bites with a gooey, melty cheese center—quick, easy, and perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or kid-friendly snack. Customize with your favorite cheeses and spices for an irresistible, crunchy treat that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 8 oz mozzarella or cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or sticks

Breading

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs, crushed nuts for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional spices: cayenne pepper or chili flakes, fresh parsley or basil (chopped)

Frying

  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Cheese: Cut your cheese into small, uniform cubes or sticks to ensure even frying and melty centers every time.
  2. Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs mixed with garlic powder and optional spices or herbs.
  3. Coat the Cheese: Dip each cheese piece first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere well. For extra crunch, repeat dipping into egg and bread crumbs once more.
  4. Chill Before Frying: Place the coated cheese bites on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
  5. Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chilled cheese bites in small batches for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack to remove excess oil.

Notes

  • Use cold cheese bites to help hold their shape while frying and prevent cheese from oozing out.
  • Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F for crispy, non-greasy bites.
  • Double coating with egg and bread crumbs adds an extra crunchy crust.
  • Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding and temperature drops.
  • Drain properly on paper towels or wire rack to keep bites crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried cheese bites, crispy cheese snacks, cheesy appetizers, easy snacks, party food