There’s something magical about biting into a crispy, golden exterior only to be met with ooey-gooey melted cheese inside. These Easy Fried Cheese Bites deliver that magic every time! Perfect for an afternoon snack, a party appetizer, or just when you’re craving something comforting and delicious. The best part? They’re so simple to make, you’ll find yourself whipping them up in no time!
Ingredients:
- 10 oz mozzarella string cheese (about 10 sticks)
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
How To Make Easy Fried Cheese Bites
- Prepare the Cheese:
Start by cutting your mozzarella string cheese into bite-sized pieces. This will give you that perfect, poppable size everyone loves! - Set Up Your Coating Station:
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until well combined. Then, grab two more bowls: fill one with flour and the other with Italian bread crumbs. Line them up in this order: flour, egg mixture, bread crumbs. - Coat the Cheese Bites:
Dip each piece of cheese into the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the bread crumbs, making sure each piece is well coated. Continue this process until all your cheese bites are ready. - Heat the Oil:
Pour vegetable oil into a medium skillet, about 2 inches deep, and heat it to 350°F. To test if it’s ready, stick a wooden spoon handle in the oil—if bubbles form around it, you’re good to go! - Fry the Cheese Bites:
Carefully add 5-7 pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 30 seconds, or until they turn golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bites from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. - Serve Immediately:
Enjoy these cheese bites while they’re hot and melty inside! They pair perfectly with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or just on their own for a cheesy indulgence.
Details and nutritional information
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 50 cheese bites (serves 10)
Nutrition:
- Serving Size: 5 cheese bites
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 356mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Helpful Tips for Perfect Cheese Bites:
- Keep an eye on the oil temperature – If the oil is too hot, the cheese bites can burn before the insides are fully melted. Too cold, and they may absorb too much oil.
- Freeze before frying – For an extra melty center, you can pop the coated cheese bites into the freezer for about 15 minutes before frying. This ensures the cheese stays inside while the outside gets crispy.
- Don’t crowd the pan – Fry in small batches to avoid the bites sticking together and to maintain an even fry.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Cheese alternatives – While mozzarella string cheese works wonderfully, you can experiment with other types of cheese like cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda for different flavors.
- Spicy twist – Add some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for a little heat!
- Gluten-free option – Swap out regular flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives.
FAQs:
Can I bake these cheese bites instead of frying them?
Yes, you can! For a lighter option, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the coated cheese bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray with a little cooking oil, and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Why do my cheese bites leak?
If the cheese starts to ooze out during frying, it could be because they were fried for too long. Make sure to keep an eye on them and remove them once they’re golden brown.
Storing Leftovers:
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to maintain their crispy exterior.
These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves cheese (and who doesn’t?). With a crunchy outside and melty inside, they’re practically irresistible! Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, these cheesy delights are a must-try. Enjoy!
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Easy Fried Cheese Bites are crispy, gooey, and perfect for any occasion
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 50 cheese bites (serves 10) 1x
Description
Craving something crispy, cheesy, and downright irresistible? These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are exactly what you need! With a golden, crunchy exterior and a gooey, melty center, these bite-sized delights are the perfect snack or appetizer. Quick to make and loved by everyone, they’re great for parties or when you just want to treat yourself to something indulgent. Pair them with marinara sauce or enjoy them all on their own!
Ingredients
- 10 oz mozzarella string cheese (about 10 sticks)
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut the mozzarella string cheese into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Set up two more bowls: one with flour and the other with bread crumbs.
- Dip each cheese piece in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally coat in bread crumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F.
- Fry 5-7 cheese bites at a time for about 30 seconds, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- For extra melty centers, freeze the coated cheese bites for 15 minutes before frying.
- Try using different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a fun flavor twist.
- You can bake these at 400°F for 8-10 minutes if you prefer a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert