EASY FRIED CHEESE BITES
These crunchy and gooey Easy Fried Cheese Bites are the ultimate answer to your snack and appetizer needs!
If you’re anything like me, one of your favorite appetizers of all-time is mozzarella sticks. Which is where these easy Fried Cheese Bites came from!
With a golden crispy crunch on the outside and molten gooey goodness on the inside, you can’t go wrong!
These Fried Cheese Bites make an excellent appetizer for a party or after school snack for the kids. The trick is making sure to serve them when they are hot so that you can get all of that delicious melted cheesiness when it’s at its best.
The thing that makes this vegetarian recipe the easiest is that you can buy a bag of mozzarella string cheese (which you may have in the house already!) and make them whenever you’d like. I don’t tend to deep fry things in my home because I don’t have a deep fryer (although I’ve had my eye on this one), but I find that you can pan fry just as easily – if not more easily based on the food item.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are perfect for cheese lovers! They’re crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them irresistible. Plus, they’re quick to make and a hit at any gathering.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Cutting board
- Medium-sized bowls
- Whisk
- Medium skillet
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
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)
Instructions
- Take out a cutting board and cut your string cheese sticks into bite-size pieces.
- In a medium-sized bowl, add your eggs and whisk to break them up. Add the milk and whisk again to incorporate the two ingredients.
- Set aside two additional bowls. Fill one with your flour and the next with your bread crumbs. Place the bowl with your eggs and milk mixture in the middle of that line, so that you now have three bowls in a row (flour, eggs, bread crumbs).
- Take one piece of mozzarella. Dip it in the flour, then immediately in the egg mixture. Now, roll your cheese bite around in the bread crumbs. Continue to do this until you have all the pieces of cheese coated. You can place each finished piece on a plate once they are completed.
- In a medium-sized skillet, heat your vegetable oil (about 2 inches high) to 350 degrees. (To test this, place a wooden spoon handle in the oil. If the bubbles are rolling on the handle, you’re ready.)
- Pull out a plate and line it with a paper towel.
- Add 5-7 pieces into the oil for about 30 seconds. Make sure that you keep them separated so that they don’t bond together!
- Fry your mozzarella bites until they are golden brown (which should be at that 30-second mark). Using a slotted spoon, remove your pieces from the oil and place them on the paper towels.
- Repeat this process with different batches until all of your bites are fried.
- Serve immediately with pasta sauce or just eat them by themselves!
Tips for Success
- Ensure the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve the perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumbs.
Additional Tips or Variations
Try adding different spices to your bread crumbs for a unique flavor, or use different types of cheese sticks for variety.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 150 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 12g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheese sticks like cheddar or pepper jack.
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are a quick and delightful snack that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, game days, or just because you’re craving something cheesy and delicious. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out for you in the comments below!
