Description
Crispy Homemade Fried Cheese Bites are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer featuring mozzarella cheese cubes coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or a savory snack, these cheese bites are served hot with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for a delightful cheesy experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese block or string cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch cubes
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Frying & Serving
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
- Marinara or ranch sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Cubes: Cut the mozzarella cheese into 1-inch bite-sized cubes or chunks. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to keep them neat and ready for breading.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with Italian-style breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika. This setup will streamline the coating process.
- Bread the Cheese Bites: Dip each cheese cube first into the flour to coat thoroughly, followed by the beaten eggs, and then into the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere the coating well. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb dipping steps once more. Place the coated bites back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the Cheese Bites: To prevent the cheese from melting out during frying, freeze the breaded cheese bites for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial for maintaining their shape and ensuring a crispy crust.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat vegetable or canola oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to achieve perfect frying temperature that yields crispy bites without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the Cheese Bites: Fry the cheese bites in small batches for about 1 to 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature. Carefully remove them using a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried cheese bites hot with your choice of marinara or ranch dipping sauce for a flavorful party appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese bites before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from oozing out too quickly.
- For a healthier alternative, you can bake the bites at 425°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through; spray them with cooking spray before baking.
- Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for variation in flavor.
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for perfect frying results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
