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Fried Cheese Bites

Fried Cheese Bites

Fried Cheese Bites are crispy, golden snack bites with a gooey, melty cheese center. Ready in under 30 minutes, this appetizer offers a perfect combination of crunchy exterior and creamy interior, ideal for parties, casual gatherings, or a comforting indulgence. Customizable with different cheeses, coatings, and seasonings, these bites are quick, versatile, and crowd-pleasing.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 20-24 bites 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

  • 8 oz good melting cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend)

Breading & Coating

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free panko/ crushed nuts for gluten-free)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional herbs/spices (parsley, basil, cayenne pepper, chili powder)

Frying

  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, enough for deep frying (about 2-3 cups)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese: Cut your chosen cheese into uniform bite-sized cubes or sticks. Chill the pieces in the refrigerator before coating to prevent premature melting during frying.
  2. Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs mixed with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices. This setup ensures an even and crispy coating.
  3. Coat the Cheese: Dip each cheese piece first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the bread crumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg wash and bread crumb coating once more.
  4. Chill Before Frying: Place the coated cheese bites onto a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent cheese from oozing out while frying.
  5. Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chilled cheese bites in small batches for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Notes

  • Freeze thoroughly before frying to keep cheese from leaking.
  • Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and to avoid greasy bites.
  • Double coating with egg and bread crumbs creates extra crunch.
  • Use neutral oils with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.
  • Drain fried bites on paper towels immediately to remove excess oil.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free substitutions)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 pieces
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: fried cheese bites, crispy cheese snack, gooey cheese appetizer, easy party snack, melty cheese bites