Description
These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are crispy, golden, and packed with gooey mozzarella cheese inside. Perfect as a party snack or appetizer, they are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried until irresistibly crunchy. Freeze before frying to prevent cheese from melting out, and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese block (or cheese curds), cut into 1-inch cubes
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (2–3 inches depth)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Cubes: Cut the mozzarella cheese into 1-inch bite-sized cubes and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and help the breading stick.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Bread the Cheese Cubes: Dredge each cheese cube first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, followed by coating in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat dipping in egg and breadcrumbs a second time.
- Freeze the Coated Cubes: Place the breaded cheese bites on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps solidify the coating and prevents the cheese from melting out during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Pour 2–3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to maintain the temperature.
- Fry the Cheese Bites: Fry the cheese bites in small batches for 1–2 minutes each until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the fried bites using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot immediately with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a flavor twist, try substituting mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack cheese.
- Freezing the cheese bites before frying is crucial to prevent the cheese from leaking out and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the correct oil temperature to prevent soggy or greasy bites.
- Can be served with marinara sauce, ranch, or your preferred dipping sauce.