Description
These Fried Cheese Bites are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and totally addictive! Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or game-day treat, they pair well with marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for dipping.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz block of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
- For Dipping (Optional):
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the coating station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a third.
- Coat the cheese bites: Dip each cheese cube into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a thicker crust.
- Freeze before frying: Place the coated cheese bites on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes (this helps prevent melting while frying).
- Fry the cheese bites: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cheese bites in batches for about 1–2 minutes, until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel.
- Serve and enjoy! Dip them in marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Make it spicy! Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Baked version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air fryer option: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway.
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg