Description
These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are crispy, golden, and deliciously gooey on the inside. Made with mozzarella cubes coated in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and fried to perfection, they make the perfect appetizer or party snack. Serve them hot with marinara sauce or your favorite dip for an irresistible treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Breading & Seasoning
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Serving
- Marinara sauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare coating stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a third bowl. This setup makes the breading process smooth and efficient.
- Bread the cheese cubes: Dredge each mozzarella cube first in flour, ensuring an even coating. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. For an extra crunchy bite, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps to apply a double coating.
- Freeze the cheese bites: Arrange the coated cheese cubes on a tray in a single layer and place them in the freezer for 20–30 minutes. This step is crucial to keep the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour 2–3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to ensure the bites fry evenly without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the cheese bites: Fry the bites in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 1–2 minutes, or until the coating turns golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil.
- Drain and serve: Place the fried cheese bites on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them immediately with marinara sauce or your choice of dipping sauce for a warm, melty appetizer experience.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese bites before frying is essential to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
- You can substitute mozzarella with other semi-soft cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for varied flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Serve these bites fresh and hot for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 5 bites
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
