Who doesn’t love crispy, golden fried cheese? These Fried Cheese Bites are the perfect snack, appetizer, or party treat that everyone will love. Imagine taking a bite into a crispy, crunchy coating, only to discover gooey, melty cheese on the inside. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack to satisfy your cravings or something special to share with friends, these little bites are a total crowd-pleaser. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the result is totally irresistible!
Why You’ll Love Fried Cheese Bites
- Cheesy Delight: These bites are packed with gooey, melty cheese that stretches with every bite. It’s cheese heaven!
- Crispy Perfection: The crispy, golden exterior adds a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy cheese inside.
- Quick & Easy: You don’t need to be a professional chef to make these—just a few simple ingredients and you’re on your way to cheesy bliss.
- Customizable: You can use your favorite cheese for the filling—mozzarella, cheddar, or even pepper jack for an extra kick.
Ingredients
Making Fried Cheese Bites is super simple with just a few ingredients:
- Cheese Sticks or Cubes: Mozzarella is the classic choice, but feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a mix of your favorites.
- Eggs: Used to help coat the cheese in the breadcrumb mixture and hold everything together.
- Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Flour: For dredging, this helps the egg mixture stick to the cheese.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a bit of savory flavor to the breading.
- Salt & Pepper: To season everything perfectly.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying—helps the cheese bites turn golden and crispy.
(Note: Full ingredient list and measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Here’s how you can create these crispy, cheesy bites:
1. Prepare the Cheese
If you’re using cheese sticks, cut them into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). If using blocks of cheese, cut them into small, bite-sized cubes.
2. Set Up a Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, add the flour and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, pour in the breadcrumbs and add garlic powder and a bit more salt and pepper.
3. Coat the Cheese
Start by dipping each piece of cheese into the flour, coating it evenly. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the cheese in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating. Repeat this for all your cheese pieces.
4. Heat the Oil
In a deep frying pan or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small breadcrumb into the oil—if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready.
5. Fry the Cheese Bites
Carefully place the breaded cheese pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure they don’t touch each other. Fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning them gently with tongs to ensure they cook evenly.
6. Drain and Serve
Once the cheese bites are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot for the best melty, cheesy experience!
How to Serve Fried Cheese Bites
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
- Appetizers: Perfect for serving at parties, game nights, or any gathering. You’ll be the hit of the party with these cheesy bites!
- Side Dish: Pair with a fresh salad or pasta for a cheesy side that everyone will devour.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the cheese bites in batches to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick together.
- Use Cold Cheese: Cold cheese holds its shape better while frying. You can even freeze the breaded cheese bites for 15-20 minutes before frying to help prevent them from melting too quickly.
- Add Extra Flavors: If you want to kick things up a notch, try adding a bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy twist.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use shredded cheese instead of cubes or sticks?
A1: While shredded cheese won’t hold up as well during frying, you can still use it to make cheese fritters by mixing it with breadcrumbs and egg. It’ll be a bit messier, but still delicious!
Q2: How do I keep the cheese from oozing out while frying?
A2: Make sure your cheese is cold before frying, and be sure to coat it well with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Freezing the breaded cheese bites for 15 minutes before frying helps a lot, too.
Q3: Can I make these in the oven?
A3: Yes! You can bake the breaded cheese bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy. They may not be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious!
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover cheese bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Q5: Can I freeze these?
A5: Absolutely! Freeze the breaded cheese bites before frying, and when you’re ready to cook them, fry them straight from the freezer. You may need to add a minute or two to the cooking time.
These Fried Cheese Bites are the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. They’re so easy to make and even easier to devour! Make a batch for your next get-together, or just enjoy them all to yourself. You won’t regret it! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
PrintFried Cheese Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 Serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these crispy, gooey Fried Cheese Bites are sure to be a hit! Enjoy the delightful combination of melty cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
- 1 lb block of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese bites: Cut your block of cheese into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- Set up the breading station:
- Place the flour in one bowl.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the cheese cubes:
- First, roll each cheese cube in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Next, dip the floured cheese cubes into the beaten eggs.
- Finally, coat them in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs to adhere well.
- Freeze the cheese bites: Place the breaded cheese cubes on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to cover the cheese bites. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) or until a small piece of bread sizzles and turns golden within 30 seconds.
- Fry the cheese bites: Fry the cheese bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 1-2 minutes, turning them until they are golden brown on all sides.
- Serve: Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Notes
Enjoy these crispy, gooey Fried Cheese Bites as a perfect snack or appetizer for gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg