Description
These Homemade Fried Cheese Bites are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them the perfect appetizer or snack. With a simple breading process and your choice of cheese, they’re easy to prepare and sure to impress at any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz block of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- Prep the Cheese:
- Cut the block of cheese into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Set Up Breading Stations:
- In three shallow bowls, prepare the coating stations:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs until smooth.
- Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In three shallow bowls, prepare the coating stations:
- Coat the Cheese:
- Dip each cheese cube first into the flour, covering all sides.
- Then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, roll the cheese cubes in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they’re well-coated.
- Chill the Coated Cheese:
- Place the coated cheese bites on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the coating stick better when frying.
- Heat the Oil:
- In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350F (175C). Use a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature.
- Fry the Cheese Bites:
- Fry the cheese bites in batches for about 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried cheese bites and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while they’re still warm and melty inside. Pair with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip the cheese in egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker coating.
- Freezing the coated cheese bites for 10-15 minutes before frying will help prevent the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
