Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites are bite-sized nuggets of melty mozzarella cheese, coated in a golden, crispy breadcrumb shell. Think of them as the fun, poppable cousins of mozzarella sticks—perfect for dipping in marinara, ranch, or your favorite sauce. These cheesy bites are easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Bites:
- 10 mozzarella cheese sticks (or 10 oz block mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, to loosen the egg wash)
- 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for deep frying)
Optional for Dipping:
- Warm marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy aioli or garlic mayo
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Cheese
- Cut mozzarella sticks into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch long.
- Place them on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when frying.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Bowl 1: Add flour.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs with a splash of milk, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Bread the Cheese Bites
- Remove frozen cheese pieces from the freezer.
- Dredge each piece in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps (double breading).
Step 4: Freeze Again (Optional but Recommended)
- Place the breaded cheese bites back in the freezer for another 15–20 minutes. This helps the coating set and reduces cheese leakage during frying.
Step 5: Fry the Cheese Bites
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the bites in small batches for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Watch them vanish in seconds!
Tips & Variations:
- Air Fryer Option: Spray breaded bites with oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Flavor Boost: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy or herby twist.
- Cheese Swap: Try using pepper jack, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: Bread the bites and freeze them in a single layer. Store in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Fry straight from frozen.
Why You’ll Love These:
- Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside: That perfect contrast of textures.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, game days, or indulgent snacking.
- Customizable: Endless ways to tweak the flavor and presentation.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction.
Would you like a creative twist on this—maybe a tropical version with pineapple salsa or a fusion take with spicy Korean gochujang dip?