Easy Fried Cheese Bites Recipe
These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are crispy, golden on the outside with a gooey, melty mozzarella center. Perfect as a quick snack or appetizer, these bite-sized treats are coated in flavorful Italian bread crumbs and fried to perfection for a deliciously satisfying bite every time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 30 cheese bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Bites
- 10 oz mozzarella string cheese (or 10 sticks)
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
- Vegetable oil (for frying, about 2 cups or enough for a 2-inch depth in skillet)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese: Cut the mozzarella string cheese into bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in length to ensure even frying.
- Mix Egg Wash: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth and fully combined; add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick if desired.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the egg wash, and one with Italian bread crumbs to create an assembly line for coating the cheese pieces.
- Coat Cheese Bites: Dip each cheese piece first into the flour to lightly coat, shake off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll thoroughly in bread crumbs to form a crispy outer layer.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth of about 2 inches and heat to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer to maintain proper frying temperature.
- Fry Cheese Bites: Carefully add the coated cheese bites in batches to the hot oil, frying for about 30 seconds or until the coating turns golden brown and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid temperature drops.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried cheese bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the cheese bites immediately while warm and gooey, with your choice of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli, or enjoy them plain.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh mozzarella string cheese and ensure oil is hot enough to prevent cheese leaking out.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili powder into the bread crumbs.
- You can prepare the coated bites ahead and freeze them; fry directly from frozen adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Ensure you do not overcook the bites as the cheese may leak out or become rubbery.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for even frying and crisp coating.
Keywords: fried cheese bites, mozzarella snacks, crispy cheese, appetizer recipe, Italian bread crumbs, quick snack
Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/easy-fried-cheese-bites-recipe/
