Description
Easy Fried Cheese Bites are a crispy, cheesy appetizer made by breading and frying mozzarella cubes. These golden bites feature a flavorful blend of Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and oregano, perfect for party snacks or a delicious starter. Freezing the cheese before frying ensures they hold their shape and remain gooey inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Freeze Cheese Cubes: Place the mozzarella cheese cubes on a baking sheet and freeze for 20–30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Bread the Cheese Bites: Dredge each frozen cheese cube first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. For best results, freeze the coated bites an additional 10–15 minutes to firm up.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Cheese Bites: Fry the cheese bites in batches, carefully placing them in the hot oil and cooking for 1–2 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with marinara or ranch dipping sauce for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Mozzarella can be substituted with cheddar, pepper jack, or a mix of cheeses for flavor variation.
- Freezing before frying prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
- Best served fresh; leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
