Description
Crispy Homemade Fried Cheese Bites are delicious, golden, and crunchy snacks made by breading cubes of mozzarella or cheddar cheese and frying them to perfection. These finger-friendly bites are perfect as party appetizers or satisfying snacks, served warm with marinara or ranch sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 ounces mozzarella or cheddar cheese, cut into ¾-inch cubes
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying and Serving
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara or ranch sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Freeze cheese cubes: Pat the cheese cubes dry with paper towels and freeze them for 20–30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Prepare breading station: Set up three bowls: one with all-purpose flour; the second with beaten eggs mixed with milk; and the third with seasoned breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the cheese cubes: Dredge each cheese cube in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, roll the cube thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating steps once more.
- Freeze coated cubes: Place the coated cheese cubes back into the freezer for another 10–15 minutes. This second freeze helps the breading adhere better and reduces cheese leakage during frying.
- Heat oil: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat 1½ to 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the cheese bites: Working in small batches, carefully fry the cheese bites for 1–2 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried cheese bites with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve warm: Serve the crispy cheese bites warm with your choice of marinara or ranch dipping sauce, if desired.
Notes
- Use block cheese for best results; pre-shredded or soft cheeses may not hold their shape when fried.
- Freezing the cheese bites before frying is essential to prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- For added flavor, try mixing Italian herbs or grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture.
