Homemade Fried Cheese Bites – Crispy, Gooey Perfection

Homemade Fried Cheese Bites are the ultimate snack or appetizer. These crispy, golden bites of cheesy goodness are perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion when you crave something indulgent and delicious.

Pair them with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing treat!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

• 1 lb mozzarella cheese block, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. Prepare the Cheese: Cut the mozzarella cheese into 1-inch cubes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting during frying.
2. Set Up Dredging Station: In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Cheese: Dip each cheese cube into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispy bites, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
4. Freeze Again: Place the coated cheese bites back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 15 minutes to help the coating adhere.
5. Heat the Oil: Fill a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the Cheese Bites: Fry the cheese bites in small batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve: Serve the fried cheese bites hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.

Prep Time

20 minutes (+45 minutes freezing time)

Cook Time

10 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 15 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, based on 8 servings)

Calories: 320
Protein: 13g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 20g
Sugar: 2g

Expert Tips

• Freeze to Prevent Melting: Freezing the cheese cubes before frying ensures they stay intact and don’t ooze out during cooking.
• Double Coat for Extra Crunch: Repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps adds an extra layer of crispiness.
• Keep Oil Temperature Consistent: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 350°F (175°C) for even frying.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a flavorful twist.

Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes or until crispy. Spray them with cooking spray before baking for a golden finish.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Ensure the cheese cubes are well-floured and frozen before coating, and freeze again after breading for better adhesion.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze uncooked, breaded cheese bites for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cook time.

Reheating: Reheat fried bites in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Substitute Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs with panko for a lighter, crunchier texture.

Homemade Fried Cheese Bites

Homemade Fried Cheese Bites are the ultimate snack or appetizer. These crispy, golden bites of cheesy goodness are perfect for parties, game days, or any occasion when you crave something indulgent and delicious. Pair them with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• - Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot
• - Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• - Paper towels
• - Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

  

• - 1 lb mozzarella cheese block cut into 1-inch cubes
• - 2 cups all-purpose flour
• - 3 large eggs
• - 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
• - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1 tsp garlic powder
• - 1 tsp paprika
• - 1/4 tsp salt
• - 1/4 tsp black pepper
• - Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Cheese:** Cut the mozzarella cheese into 1-inch cubes and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting during frying.
• **Set Up Dredging Station:** In one bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• **Coat the Cheese:** Dip each cheese cube into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispy bites, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
• **Freeze Again:** Place the coated cheese bites back on the baking sheet and freeze for another 15 minutes to help the coating adhere.
• **Heat the Oil:** Fill a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot with oil to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
• **Fry the Cheese Bites:** Fry the cheese bites in small batches for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
• **Serve:** Serve the fried cheese bites hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara or ranch.