Description
These Homemade Fried Cheese Bites are the ultimate crispy and gooey snack that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, game days, or casual gatherings, they feature cubes of cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried to golden perfection. The crunchy exterior contrasts with the melted cheese inside, making each bite irresistibly delicious. Serve them hot with a variety of dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for an extra layer of flavor. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can make restaurant-quality fried cheese bites at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prep the Cheese:
Cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes or sticks for uniform frying. - Set Up Coating Stations:
- In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Cheese:
- Dredge each cheese cube in flour.
- Dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off.
- Roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Freeze the Cheese Bites:
- Place the coated cheese bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Fry the Cheese Bites:
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot.
- Fry the frozen cheese bites in small batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain.
- Serve Hot:
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Cheese Selection:
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! While cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack are classic choices, you can also try Gouda, Swiss, or even blue cheese for a unique twist. - Freezing is Key:
Don’t skip the freezing step. This helps the cheese bites maintain their shape during frying and prevents the cheese from leaking out. For best results, freeze them for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 months if making ahead. - Healthier Option:
To make these cheese bites healthier, try baking them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or air-frying them at 375°F (190°C) for 7-9 minutes until crispy. - Reheating:
If you have leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-8 minutes to keep them crispy.