Crispy Fried Cheddar Cheese Bites Recipe

Introduction

Fried cheese is a delightful appetizer that delivers a crispy, golden crust surrounding warm, gooey cheddar. Perfect for snacking or serving at parties, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress cheese lovers.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/3 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 12 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups frying oil (such as vegetable oil)
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare three bowls: one with the flour, salt, pepper, dried parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder mixed together; one with the beaten eggs; and one with the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Step 2: Dip each cheddar cheese cube first in the seasoned flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated cubes on a parchment-lined tray.
3. Step 3: Freeze the coated cheese cubes for 40 minutes to help the coating set and prevent cheese leakage during frying.
4. Step 4: Heat the frying oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C). Carefully fry the cheese cubes in batches for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Step 5: Remove the fried cheese cubes with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try substituting cheddar with mozzarella or a spicy pepper jack cheese.
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy cheese bites.
• Double-coating the cheese cubes by dipping again in egg and breadcrumbs can create an extra crispy crust.

Storage

Fried cheese is best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness; avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for frying?

Yes, cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack work well. Choose a cheese that melts well but holds its shape during frying.

What should I do if the coating falls off during frying?

Freezing the coated cheese cubes before frying helps the coating stick better. Also, make sure to handle them gently when placing into the hot oil.

Crispy Fried Cheddar Cheese Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Crispy and gooey fried cheese bites made with a seasoned breadcrumb coating and cheddar cheese cubes, perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack. These golden-fried cheese cubes are crunchy on the outside and melty on the inside, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs

Coating

• 1 1/3 cups panko breadcrumbs

Main Ingredient

• 12 ounces cheddar cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes)

For Frying and Garnish

• 4 cups frying oil (such as vegetable oil)
• Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare bowls: Set up three separate bowls – one with the seasoned flour mixture (flour, salt, pepper, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder), one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat cheese cubes: Dip each 1-inch cheddar cheese cube first into the flour mixture to lightly coat, then into the beaten eggs to cover fully, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs to create a crunchy crust. Place the coated cubes onto a parchment-lined tray.
3. Freeze to set coating: Place the tray with coated cheese cubes in the freezer for 40 minutes. This step helps the coating adhere better and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly during frying.
4. Heat oil: In a deep pot or deep fryer, heat the frying oil to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve a crispy crust without soaking up excess oil.
5. Fry cheese cubes: Fry the cheese cubes in small batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for about 3 to 5 minutes or until they turn a golden brown color and the coating is crisp.
6. Drain and garnish: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried cheese cubes and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately, sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Freezing the coated cheese cubes before frying is essential to keep the cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 375°F for even frying and crispiness.
• Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
• Ensure the frying oil is suitable for high heat and has a neutral flavor, like vegetable or canola oil.
• This recipe works best with firm cheeses like cheddar; softer cheeses may not hold up well during frying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: fried cheese, cheddar cheese bites, crispy cheese appetizer, snack recipe, breaded fried cheese