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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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