Description
Crispy Cheese Bites deliver an irresistible crunch of golden-brown goodness straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Small cheese parcels pack incredible flavor that will leave guests craving more with each savory bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100 grams) breadcrumbs
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cooking:
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Transform firm cheese blocks into precise 1-inch cubes or slender sticks, ensuring uniform sizing for consistent cooking.
- Prepare a whisking station with a shallow bowl, thoroughly beating eggs until they become uniformly pale and frothy.
- Create a seasoned coating mixture by combining breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a separate shallow container.
- Develop a three-stage breading process: lightly dust cheese pieces with all-purpose flour, completely submerge in beaten eggs, then meticulously coat with seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure complete adherence.
- Arrange breaded cheese morsels on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then transfer to freezer for minimum 30-minute chilling to solidify coating and prevent cheese from melting during frying.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to precise 350°F (175°C), using a digital thermometer for accuracy.
- Carefully lower cheese bites into hot oil in small batches, maintaining oil temperature, and fry for 2-3 minutes until exterior turns golden-brown and develops a crisp, crunchy texture.
- Remove fried bites using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towel-lined plate, and serve immediately alongside complementary dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Chill cheese cubes before frying to prevent melting and maintain crispy exterior.
- Double-coat breading ensures extra crunch and better adhesion of breadcrumbs.
- Use high-temperature neutral oil like vegetable or canola for consistent, golden-brown results.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to prevent greasy, soggy cheese bites.
- Work in small batches to keep oil temperature stable and achieve uniform crispiness.
- Serve immediately after frying for maximum texture and flavor enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg