Description
Crispy fried cheese bites bring irresistible golden-brown deliciousness straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Quick appetizers promise creamy interior and crunchy exterior that perfectly complement casual gatherings and unexpected snack cravings you’ll instantly adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) block of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite)
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
Seasoning and Binding:
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Frying Oil:
- Oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
Instructions
- Transform the cheese block into uniform, bite-sized cubes approximately one inch in dimension, ensuring consistent shape for even cooking.
- Organize three separate shallow vessels for the breading sequence: the first containing delicate flour, the second holding whisked eggs, and the third featuring seasoned breadcrumbs enhanced with aromatic garlic powder, vibrant paprika, and balanced salt and pepper.
- Initiate the coating process by gently rolling each cheese morsel first through the flour, creating a delicate preliminary layer that helps subsequent ingredients adhere effectively.
- Immerse the flour-dusted cheese cubes into the beaten eggs, allowing complete coverage and ensuring maximum adherence of the upcoming crispy exterior.
- Transfer the egg-coated morsels into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, carefully pressing and rotating to achieve a comprehensive, uniform crust that will transform into a golden, crunchy shell during frying.
- For enthusiasts desiring heightened crispness, execute an additional round of egg and breadcrumb coating, which will generate an extra-robust and textured exterior.
- Prepare a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan with oil heated to 350-375 degrees fahrenheit, creating the perfect environment for rapid, even browning.
- Carefully lower the breaded cheese cubes into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding to maintain optimal temperature and prevent soggy results.
- Fry the cheese bites until they achieve a rich, golden-brown color, typically requiring 2-3 minutes, signaling a perfectly crisp exterior and molten interior.
- Remove the fried cheese bites using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on absorbent paper towels, which will help preserve their delightful crunchiness.
Notes
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for unique flavor profiles and melting textures.
- Freeze cheese cubes for 15-20 minutes before breading to prevent melting during frying and ensure a crispy exterior.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond flour or cornstarch and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add extra herbs like dried basil or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture for enhanced aromatic and flavor dimensions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg