Get ready to transform ordinary mozzarella into a crispy, golden, irresistible appetizer that will have everyone asking for more! These Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites are the perfect combination of crunchy exterior and gooey, melted cheese interior – a guaranteed hit at any gathering, game night, or as a delightful snack.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 10 oz mozzarella string cheese (10 sticks)
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping
Metric Measurements
- 280g mozzarella string cheese (10 sticks)
- 120g Italian bread crumbs
- 125g all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 60ml milk
- 5g garlic powder
- 5g dried basil
- 3g salt
- 1.25g black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: Marinara sauce for dipping
Preparation Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese:
- Remove mozzarella sticks from packaging
- Cut each stick into 3-4 equal pieces
- Freeze cheese pieces for 30 minutes (this prevents cheese from melting too quickly during frying)
- Breading Station Setup:
- In first bowl, place flour
- In second bowl, whisk eggs and milk together
- In third bowl, mix bread crumbs, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper
- Breading Process:
- Roll each frozen cheese piece in flour
- Dip in egg mixture
- Coat thoroughly in seasoned bread crumbs
- Place breaded cheese bites on a clean plate
- Repeat for all pieces
- Freeze breaded bites for 15 minutes before frying
- Frying:
- Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C)
- Fry cheese bites in small batches
- Cook 1-2 minutes until golden brown
- Remove with slotted spoon
- Drain on paper towels
- Serving:
- Let cool for 2-3 minutes
- Serve with marinara sauce
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 4-6 (as appetizer)
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fat: 15-18g
Cooking Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Freezing Time: 45 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Expert Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Freeze cheese before breading to prevent melting
- Maintain consistent oil temperature
- Don’t overcrowd the frying pan
- Use a deep-fry thermometer for precision
- Pat cheese dry before first flour coating
- Allow oil to return to temperature between batches
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper to breadcrumb mixture
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different dried herbs
- Cheese Alternatives: Try cheddar or pepper jack
- Baked Version: Spray with cooking spray, bake at 400°F (200°C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Prepare and freeze breaded cheese bites up to 2 weeks in advance.
Q2: What oil is best for frying? A: Vegetable or canola oil work best due to high smoke point.
Q3: How do I prevent cheese from leaking? A: Ensure thorough freezing and complete bread coating.
Q4: Can I air fry these? A: Yes, air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes.
Q5: How do I store leftovers? A: Refrigerate in airtight container, reheat in oven to maintain crispiness.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for 2-3 days
- Freezing: Freeze breaded (uncooked) bites up to 2 weeks
- Reheating: Oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes
- Prep Ahead: Complete breading process day before frying
Indulge in these irresistible Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites – a perfect blend of crispy exterior and melty, cheesy interior that will steal the show at any gathering!