Easy Fried Cheese Bites Recipe

Introduction

Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these easy fried cheese bites make a perfect snack or appetizer. With a simple breading and quick frying, you can enjoy a warm, melty treat in no time.

Ingredients

• 10 oz mozzarella string cheese (or 10 sticks)
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut mozzarella string cheese into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
3. Step 3: Set up your dipping stations with separate bowls of flour, the egg mixture, and Italian bread crumbs.
4. Step 4: Coat each cheese piece first in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat with bread crumbs. For extra spice, you can mix cayenne pepper into the bread crumbs.
5. Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C).
6. Step 6: Fry the coated cheese bites in batches for about 30 seconds, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Step 7: Remove the fried bites with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Step 8: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces or enjoy plain while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a crunchier coating, double dip the cheese bites by repeating the egg and bread crumb steps before frying.
• Try mixing garlic powder or Italian seasoning into the bread crumbs for added flavor.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, for frying to avoid burning.
• Serve with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli for dipping.

Storage

Store leftover fried cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, cheeses that melt well like cheddar or Monterey Jack can be used, but mozzarella is preferred for its classic stretch and flavor.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking during frying?

Coating the cheese bites thoroughly and frying them quickly at the right temperature helps prevent leaks. Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) before frying.

Easy Fried Cheese Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 109 reviews

Crispy and gooey Easy Fried Cheese Bites made with mozzarella string cheese, coated in flour, eggs, and Italian bread crumbs, then fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a quick appetizer or snack that pairs wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 20 cheese bites 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Bites

• 10 oz mozzarella string cheese (about 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

Instructions

1. Prepare Cheese: Cut the mozzarella string cheese into bite-sized pieces ensuring they are manageable for frying and eating.
2. Make Egg Wash: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until the mixture is homogeneous and smooth.
3. Set Up Dipping Stations: Arrange three separate bowls: one with flour, one with the egg mixture, and one with Italian bread crumbs to create an easy breading assembly line.
4. Bread the Cheese Bites: Coat each cheese piece first in flour to help the egg adhere, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with Italian bread crumbs. For a spicy kick, sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the bread crumbs before coating.
5. Heat Oil: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring enough oil to submerge the cheese bites partially for even frying.
6. Fry Cheese Bites: Fry the coated cheese bites in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 30 seconds or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the coating is crispy.
7. Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried cheese bites onto paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep them crispy.
8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your fried cheese bites while hot, either plain or with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy mustard.

Notes

• Fry the cheese bites in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey melted cheese inside the crispy coating.
• For an extra crisp coating, double-dip in egg wash and bread crumbs before frying.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for best results.
• Optional: Add cayenne pepper to the bread crumbs for a spicy variation.

Keywords: fried cheese bites, mozzarella bites, appetizer, snack, fried mozzarella, crispy cheese bites