Description
Cheesy Crispy Bites deliver a perfect blend of crunchy texture and rich flavor from Italian parmesan and sharp cheddar. Guests will savor these golden appetizers that promise delightful moments of culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prep Cheese: Methodically cube or slice cheese into uniform 1-inch pieces to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
- Breading Setup: Craft a streamlined breading station with three shallow containers – one for flour, another for whisked eggs, and the final for seasoned breadcrumb mixture blended with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coating Process: Systematically dredge each cheese piece through flour, immerse completely in egg wash, then thoroughly coat with seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to create a robust, adherent crust.
- Chill Preparation: Arrange breaded cheese morsels on parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes, allowing coating to set and preventing cheese from liquefying during frying.
- Oil Heating: Warm vegetable oil in deep fryer or heavy pot to precisely 350°F, monitoring temperature with digital thermometer to maintain consistent heat.
- Frying Technique: Gently submerge cheese bites in small batches, cooking 2-3 minutes until exterior transforms into a golden, crispy shell while maintaining oil temperature.
- Serving: Extract fried bites using slotted spoon, drain excess oil on paper towels, and plate immediately with complementary dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Precision Matters: Cut cheese uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout each bite.
- Egg Technique: Whisk eggs thoroughly until pale and frothy for a smooth, even coating that helps breading stick perfectly.
- Seasoning Boost: Use fresh spices in breadcrumb mixture to elevate flavor profile and create a more complex taste experience.
- Freezing Hack: Chill breaded cheese bites before frying to prevent cheese from melting and maintain crispy exterior during cooking.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg