Easy Fried Cheese Bites Recipe

Cheese is one of the most beloved foods around the world. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with a variety of flavors, makes cheese a staple in many cuisines. From the mild, smoothness of mozzarella to the sharp, tangy taste of cheddar, cheese has something for everyone. But when it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the joy of fried cheese.

Fried cheese bites are a popular snack or appetizer that are crispy on the outside, warm and melty on the inside. They make a fantastic party snack, a great addition to a casual dinner, or even a tasty treat to enjoy with a dip of your choice. The beauty of fried cheese bites lies in their simplicity: a few simple ingredients and a couple of easy steps create a bite-sized, gooey snack that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a cheese lover or just looking for a fun dish to make, these easy fried cheese bites will surely impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese

1. Cut the Cheese:

   • The first step in making fried cheese bites is to prepare the cheese. Start by cutting the mozzarella into cubes. Aim for bite-sized cubes—around 1 to 1.5 inches. This size will ensure they fry evenly and the cheese melts perfectly inside.

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   • If you’re using cream cheese as well, cut it into small pieces and combine it with the mozzarella to create a creamy, melty center.

2. Coat the Cheese with Cornstarch:

   • Before breading, toss the cheese cubes in a small bowl with cornstarch. This will help the breading adhere to the cheese more easily and prevent the cheese from becoming too oily while frying. Cornstarch is key to making sure the cheese stays intact when deep-fried.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station

1. Set Up Three Bowls for Breading:

   • To make the breading process as smooth as possible, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

     • Bowl 1: Place the all-purpose flour in the first bowl. This is where you’ll coat the cheese cubes first.

     • Bowl 2: Crack the eggs into the second bowl and whisk them until they’re fully beaten. This will act as the egg wash that helps the breadcrumbs adhere.

     • Bowl 3: In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed. This breadcrumb mixture will create a crunchy outer coating for the cheese.

2. Coat the Cheese:

   • Now it’s time to coat the cheese cubes:

     1. First, roll each cheese cube in the flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated.

     2. Next, dip the floured cheese cube into the egg wash, covering it completely.

     3. Finally, roll the cheese in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s thoroughly coated with the breadcrumbs and seasoning. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.

3. Double Bread the Cheese (Optional):

   • For an extra-crispy coating, you can double bread the cheese. After the first coating, dip the cheese again into the egg wash and breadcrumbs. This double layer will give you a thicker, crunchier crust. If you prefer a lighter coating, one layer is sufficient.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

1. Choose Your Frying Method:

   • You can deep fry the cheese bites or use a shallow frying method. If you’re deep frying, use a large pot or deep fryer. If you’re shallow frying, a large skillet will work.

2. Heat the Oil:

   • Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into your pot or skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough for frying.

   • The ideal temperature for frying cheese bites is around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread or cheese. It should fry quickly, turning golden brown within 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Fry the Cheese Bites

1. Fry the Cheese:

   • Gently lower the breaded cheese cubes into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure the cheese bites cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

   • Fry the cheese bites for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be careful not to fry them for too long, or the cheese may melt too much and spill out of the coating.

2. Drain the Cheese Bites:

   • Once the cheese bites are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve Immediately:

   • Serve the fried cheese bites hot, as they are best enjoyed fresh and warm when the cheese is still gooey and melty. These cheese bites make a fantastic appetizer or snack at parties, game nights, or family gatherings.

2. Add Dips and Garnishes:

   • Fried cheese bites are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with dipping sauces. Here are some great options:

     • Marinara Sauce: A classic choice for cheese lovers. The tangy tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with the richness of the fried cheese.

     • Ranch Dressing: Creamy and cool, ranch is a great dip for those who prefer something a little more mellow.

     • Garlic Butter Sauce: For those who like a garlicky kick, a warm garlic butter sauce is a great accompaniment.

     • Honey Mustard: For a sweet and tangy flavor, honey mustard is a perfect dip.

3. Garnish (Optional):

   • For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top of the fried cheese bites. This adds a fresh, vibrant touch and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.

Tips for the Perfect Fried Cheese Bites

• Choose the Right Cheese:

  • While mozzarella is a popular choice for fried cheese bites, you can experiment with other cheeses as well. Cheese varieties like cheddar, gouda, or even provolone work well for frying. Just make sure to select a firm cheese that holds its shape when melted.

• Chill the Cheese:

  • If you’re worried about the cheese melting too much during frying, you can chill the breaded cheese bites in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before frying. This will help them maintain their shape and prevent the cheese from oozing out too much.

• Use Panko Breadcrumbs:

  • Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs. For the crispiest results, always use panko breadcrumbs for frying.

• Control the Oil Temperature:

  • Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for frying cheese bites. If the oil is too hot, the cheese may cook too quickly and burst out of the coating. If the oil is too cool, the cheese may become greasy. A steady temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.

• Double Fry for Extra Crispiness:

  • If you want an even crispier crust, you can double fry the cheese bites. After frying the cheese bites once and draining them, let them cool for a few minutes, then re-fry them for an additional 1-2 minutes until they reach a perfect golden brown.

Variations of Fried Cheese Bites

1. Spicy Fried Cheese Bites:

   • For a spicy twist, mix some chili powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper into the breadcrumbs before coating the cheese. You can also add diced jalapeños into the cheese mixture for a spicy surprise inside.

2. Cheese and Bacon Bites:

   • Add crispy bacon bits into the breading mixture for a savory, smoky flavor. Bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and adds an extra crunch to the outside.

3. Herb-Infused Fried Cheese:

   • Infuse the breading with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to give the fried cheese a Mediterranean flair. This adds a fresh, aromatic flavor that pairs nicely with the richness of the cheese.

4. Stuffed Cheese Bites:

   • If you want to take things to the next level, stuff the cheese cubes with small pieces of cooked sausage, pepperoni, or even spinach and artichokes before breading and frying. This creates a delicious surprise inside each bite.

Conclusion

Easy Fried Cheese Bites are the ultimate snack for cheese lovers and anyone looking for a fun, indulgent appetizer. With a crunchy, golden exterior and a warm, gooey interior, these cheese bites are the perfect combination of crispy and melty. Whether you’re serving them at a party, enjoying them as an after-school snack, or just treating yourself to something special, fried cheese bites are guaranteed to please.

Yield: 4

Easy Fried Cheese Bites Recipe

Print

Cheese is one of the most beloved foods around the world. Its rich, creamy texture, combined with a variety of flavors, makes cheese a staple in many cuisines. From the mild, smoothness of mozzarella to the sharp, tangy taste of cheddar, cheese has something for everyone. But when it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to the joy of fried cheese.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz block of mozzarella cheese (or your favorite cheese like cheddar or string cheese)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for keto-friendly)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese:
   Cut the mozzarella cheese into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces). If using string cheese, you can cut the sticks into thirds.
   
2. Coat the Cheese:
   In a shallow bowl, place the flour (or almond flour for keto).
   In another shallow bowl, beat the egg.
   In a third shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   
3. Coat Each Cheese Bite:
   Roll each piece of cheese first in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks. Repeat with all cheese cubes.
   
4. Heat the Oil:
   In a large skillet, heat about 1-2 inches of oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop in a small piece of bread or breadcrumb – it should sizzle immediately.
   
5. Fry the Cheese Bites:
   Carefully place the coated cheese bites in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
   Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese bites and drain them on paper towels.
   
6. Serve:
   Serve the fried cheese bites hot with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Cheese: You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for a variety of flavors.

Make-Ahead: If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the coated cheese bites for about 30 minutes before frying. This helps them hold together better while cooking.

Air Fryer Option: For a healthier version, you can cook these in an air fryer at 375°F for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.