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Fried Cheese Bites

Fried Cheese Bites
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Fried Cheese Bites are crispy, golden, bite-sized snacks with a crunchy exterior and a gooey, melty cheese center. Perfect for parties, game nights, and casual gatherings, these easy-to-make appetizers use simple pantry ingredients and can be customized with various cheeses and seasonings. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or enjoy them plain for an irresistible crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 8 oz mozzarella or cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes

Breading

  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Seasonings

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon paprika or garlic powder

Frying

  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (enough for a 2-inch deep fryer or pan)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Cubes: Cut your chosen cheese into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Place the cubes on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes to prevent excessive melting during frying.
  2. Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour (salt and pepper mixed in), one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned panko breadcrumbs ready for coating.
  3. Coat the Cheese: Dredge each chilled cheese cube first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated. For extra crunch, repeat the egg wash and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
  4. Heat the Oil: Preheat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying but not smoking.
  5. Fry Until Golden: Fry the coated cheese bites in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally for even golden and crispy crusts. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  6. Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the bites, and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately for optimal crunch and melty cheese inside.

Notes

  • Freeze the cheese cubes before frying to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to ensure crispy bites without excessive oil absorption.
  • Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which lowers oil temperature and causes soggy bites.
  • Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs yields an extra crunchy texture.
  • Press breadcrumbs gently onto the cheese to secure a firm crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried cheese bites, crispy cheese snacks, appetizer, party snacks, cheesy bites, gluten-free cheese bites, kid-friendly snacks

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/fried-cheese-bites/