Homemade Fried Cheese Bites
Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (225 g) block of cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Cheese:

  • Cut the cheese into small bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch in size.

2. Prepare the Breading Station:

  • Set up three shallow bowls for breading.
  • In the first bowl, place the flour and season with a bit of salt and pepper.
  • In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
  • In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Bread the Cheese Bites:

  • Coat each cheese cube in the flour, shaking off any excess.
  • Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs well.

4. Chill the Bites:

  • Place the breaded cheese bites on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the coating stick better during frying.

5. Heat the Oil:

  • In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of bread in; it should sizzle and turn golden brown within seconds.

6. Fry the Cheese Bites:

  • Fry the cheese bites in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese bites and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

7. Serve:

  • Serve the fried cheese bites warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli.

Tips:

  • Cheese Choice: Cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese with a good melting point works well. Avoid cheeses that melt too much and become gooey.
  • Double Breading: For extra crispiness, you can double coat the cheese bites by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

Enjoy your delicious, homemade fried cheese bites!