Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites are crispy, golden nuggets of cheesy goodness that make the perfect appetizer or snack. These bite-sized delights feature gooey, melted mozzarella encased in a crunchy, seasoned breadcrumb coating. Whether served with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The secret to achieving the perfect texture lies in double-coating and freezing the cheese before frying, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the cheese from oozing out too soon.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Bites
- 10 oz mozzarella string cheese (about 10 sticks)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup spicy aioli
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
- Cut each mozzarella stick into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
- Place the cheese pieces on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes. This helps prevent excessive melting during frying.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In three separate bowls:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs and milk
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper
Step 3: Coat the Cheese Bites
- Remove the cheese from the freezer.
- Dredge each piece in flour, ensuring a light coating.
- Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Roll in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Repeat steps 6 and 7 for a second coating to ensure extra crispiness.
Step 4: Freeze Again
- Place the coated cheese bites back on the tray and freeze for another 30 minutes. This step helps maintain their shape during frying.
Step 5: Fry the Cheese Bites
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the cheese bites in batches for 1-2 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli.
- Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!
Tips for the Perfect Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites
- Double-coating ensures a crispy exterior.
- Freezing before frying prevents cheese from leaking.
- Use fresh oil for best results.
- Experiment with seasonings like cayenne or Italian herbs for extra flavor.
These Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites are a fun, irresistible snack that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or simply indulging in cheesy goodness. Whether dipped in marinara or enjoyed on their own, they’re sure to disappear fast! 🧀✨
For more variations, check out this recipe or this one!