Description
These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with cheesy flavor. Made with mozzarella, Italian breadcrumbs, and a touch of cayenne for extra kick, they’re a perfect snack or appetizer! Ready in just 20 minutes, serve them with marinara or ranch dip for an irresistible treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz mozzarella string cheese (or 10 sticks)
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the Cheese: Slice each mozzarella stick into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch long.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate bowls, place the flour in one, whisk together the eggs and milk in the second, and pour the Italian bread crumbs into the third. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumbs if you like a little heat.
- Bread the Cheese Bites: Roll each mozzarella piece in the flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and then coat it evenly with the bread crumbs. Repeat for all the cheese pieces.
- Chill: Place the breaded cheese bites on a tray and freeze them for at least 20-30 minutes. This step ensures they stay intact when fried.
- Fry: Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop the cheese bites into the hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden and crispy. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Drain and Serve: Remove the cheese bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dip.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add extra cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breading mix.
- Be sure to freeze the cheese bites before frying to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.
- You can make these ahead of time and store them in the freezer. Simply fry when ready to serve!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Snacks, Party Food, Comfort Food
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Italian (Mozzarella-based)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 5 cheese bites)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Easy Fried Cheese Bites, Mozzarella Cheese Bites, Crispy Cheese Snacks, Fried Cheese, Appetizer Recipes, Fried Mozzarella, Party Snacks, Homemade Cheese Bites, Crispy Fried Mozzarella, Cheese Snack Recipes