Description
Golden on the outside and gooey on the inside, these easy fried cheese bites are the ultimate snack or party appetizer that everyone will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for dipping
Instructions
- Cut each mozzarella stick into bite-sized pieces (about 3 per stick) and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare a breading station: Place flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with milk. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dip each frozen cheese bite into the flour, then egg mixture, and then coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating to help prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry cheese bites in small batches for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with marinara or ranch for dipping.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese before frying helps prevent it from melting too quickly and oozing out.
- Double coating improves crispiness and cheese containment during frying.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 min freezing)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg