Description

Indulge in these crispy, golden-brown fried cheese bites, perfect for snacking or serving as a delicious appetizer at your next party. With a crunchy breading and gooey, melted cheese center, these bites offer the ideal combination of textures and flavors. Whether you choose mozzarella for its classic stretch, cheddar for a sharper bite, or even pepper jack for a hint of spice, you can customize this recipe to suit your taste. Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauces to elevate the experience.

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

Cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes or sticks to ensure even frying.
Set up your coating stations: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well-beaten. In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dredge each piece of cheese in flour, dip in the egg wash, and then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
Place the coated cheese bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or large pot. Fry the frozen cheese bites in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove the cheese bites with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.

Notes

Cheese Selection: Choose a cheese with good melting properties. Mozzarella is the most popular, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack.
Pre-Chilling: Don’t skip the step of freezing the cheese before frying—it helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out during the cooking process.
Breading Options: For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs, or opt for gluten-free breading alternatives like almond flour or cornmeal.
Frying Tips: Keep the oil temperature consistent at 350°F–375°F for the perfect crispy exterior. Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bites.
Customizing the Flavor: Add garlic powder, paprika, or Italian herbs to the breading for extra flavor. You can even stuff the cheese with jalapeños or wrap it in bacon for a fun twist.
Storage and Reheating: Leftover cheese bites can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Air Fryer Option: If you’re looking for a healthier version, air frying or baking is a great alternative without sacrificing the crunch.