EASY FRIED CHEESE BITES

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Indulge in these delicious, golden-brown Easy Fried Cheese Bites, perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or party treat. Made with mozzarella string cheese, these bites are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, making them irresistible. Follow this simple recipe to create your own batch of cheesy goodness.

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:

Prepare the Cheese:

  1. Take out a cutting board and cut your string cheese sticks into bite-size pieces.

Prepare the Coating Stations: 2. 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. 3. 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).

Coat the Cheese Bites: 4. 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.

Fry the Cheese Bites: 5. 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.) 6. Pull out a plate and line it with a paper towel. 7. 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! 8. 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. 9. Repeat this process with different batches until all of your bites are fried.

Serve Immediately: 10. Serve your fried cheese bites immediately with pasta sauce or just enjoy them by themselves!

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  • Dipping Sauces: Serve your fried cheese bites with a variety of dipping sauces such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or garlic aioli for added flavor.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese over the bites for a touch of color and extra flavor.
  • Appetizer Platter: Arrange the cheese bites on a platter with an assortment of other appetizers like vegetable sticks, olives, and mini meatballs for a party-ready presentation.
  • Accompaniments: Pair these bites with a crisp salad or a bowl of soup for a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: If you have any leftover cheese bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: To freeze, place the fried cheese bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen cheese bites, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 15-20 minutes if frozen, until they are heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) until hot and crispy.

These serving and storage tips ensure that your Easy Fried Cheese Bites remain delicious and enjoyable, whether you’re serving them fresh or saving some for later.

Variations:

Spicy Fried Cheese Bites:

  • Cayenne Pepper: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour for a bit of heat.
  • Hot Sauce: Mix a few drops of hot sauce into the egg mixture for an extra kick.
  • Spicy Dipping Sauce: Serve with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or buffalo sauce.

Garlic Parmesan Fried Cheese Bites:

  • Garlic Powder: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the bread crumbs for a garlicky flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the bread crumbs.
  • Herb Dipping Sauce: Serve with a creamy herb dipping sauce such as garlic aioli or ranch.

Herb-Crusted Fried Cheese Bites:

  • Italian Seasoning: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the bread crumbs.
  • Fresh Herbs: Finely chop fresh basil, parsley, or oregano and mix into the bread crumbs.
  • Marinara Sauce: Serve with a classic marinara sauce for dipping.

Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Bites:

  • Bacon Wrap: Before coating in flour, wrap each cheese piece with a small strip of bacon.
  • Toothpicks: Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed.
  • Cook Time: Fry the bacon-wrapped bites for a little longer to ensure the bacon is crispy.

Cheddar Cheese Bites:

  • Cheddar Cheese: Use cheddar cheese sticks instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.
  • Bread Crumbs: Consider using plain bread crumbs with a little salt and pepper to let the cheddar flavor shine.
  • Dipping Sauce: Serve with a tangy BBQ sauce or honey mustard.

Pesto Cheese Bites:

  • Pesto Coating: After coating in flour, lightly brush the cheese pieces with pesto before dipping in the egg mixture.
  • Parmesan Addition: Mix Parmesan cheese with the bread crumbs.
  • Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of extra pesto or marinara sauce.

Pretzel-Crusted Cheese Bites:

  • Pretzel Coating: Crush pretzels finely and use them instead of bread crumbs for a crunchy, salty coating.
  • Mustard Sauce: Serve with a tangy mustard dipping sauce.

Buffalo Cheese Bites:

  • Buffalo Sauce: Mix buffalo sauce into the egg mixture.
  • Spicy Coating: Add a bit of cayenne pepper to the bread crumbs.
  • Blue Cheese Dip: Serve with a cool blue cheese dipping sauce.

Mexican-Style Cheese Bites:

  • Mexican Cheese: Use a mix of mozzarella and pepper jack cheese for a bit of spice.
  • Taco Seasoning: Add taco seasoning to the bread crumbs.
  • Salsa: Serve with a side of salsa or guacamole.

Sweet and Savory Cheese Bites:

  • Cinnamon Sugar: After frying, sprinkle the cheese bites with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist.
  • Honey Dip: Serve with a honey dipping sauce for a unique sweet and savory combination.

These variations allow you to customize your Easy Fried Cheese Bites to suit different tastes and occasions, making each batch unique and delicious.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese for these bites?
    • Yes, you can use various types of cheese such as cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda. Just ensure the cheese is firm enough to hold its shape when fried.
  2. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during frying?
    • Ensure the cheese bites are thoroughly coated with flour, egg, and bread crumbs. Double-coating can provide extra protection. Also, fry them for just 30 seconds or until golden brown to prevent over-melting.
  3. Can I bake these cheese bites instead of frying them?
    • Yes, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated cheese bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  4. What is the best oil for frying cheese bites?
    • Use oils with a high smoke point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures needed for frying.
  5. Can I make these cheese bites ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare and coat the cheese bites ahead of time. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra seconds to the frying time.
  6. How do I reheat leftover fried cheese bites?
    • To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the bites on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  7. Can I use gluten-free ingredients for this recipe?
    • Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
  8. How do I ensure the bread crumbs stick to the cheese?
    • Make sure each cheese piece is well-coated in flour before dipping it into the egg mixture. This helps the egg adhere better. Then, ensure the cheese is fully coated in the egg mixture before rolling it in the bread crumbs.
  9. What dipping sauces go well with fried cheese bites?
    • Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, garlic aioli, buffalo sauce, and sriracha mayo are all excellent choices for dipping sauces.
  10. Can I add spices to the coating for extra flavor?
    • Absolutely! You can add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the flour or bread crumbs to enhance the flavor of the cheese bites.

These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to party appetizers. Enjoy the crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior with every bite. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumbs for an extra kick!