Description
These crispy Fried Cheese Bites are a delicious appetizer or snack featuring cubes of mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of cheeses coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. Served warm with your favorite dipping sauces, they make a perfect party treat or indulgent comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 1 lb block of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix), cut into 1-inch cubes
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese bites: Cut your block of cheese into 1-inch cubes and set them aside on a clean surface.
- Set up the breading station: Place the flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the cheese cubes: First, dredge each cheese cube in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the beaten eggs until fully coated. Finally, press the cubes into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, making sure the coating adheres well on all sides.
- Freeze the cheese bites: Arrange the breaded cheese cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable or canola oil into a large frying pan to cover the cheese bites. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). To test, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden within 30 seconds.
- Fry the cheese bites: Fry the cheese cubes in batches without overcrowding the pan. Cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes, turning occasionally until the bites are golden brown on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the fried cheese bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for best flavor.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese bites before frying helps keep them from melting too quickly and losing shape.
- Use a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor—mozzarella for meltiness and cheddar for sharpness.
- Adjust seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture to your taste or try adding paprika or cayenne for some heat.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for crispy, non-greasy bites.
- Serve immediately for the best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven but may lose crispiness.
