Description
Savory golden cheese crunch bites deliver a crispy, cheesy sensation that elevates appetizer expectations. Cheese enthusiasts and party hosts will discover a crowd-pleasing snack perfect for gatherings and quick indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) block of cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup crushed cornflakes
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Preparation: Cube cheese into uniform pieces and briefly freeze to maintain structural integrity during cooking.
- Coating Setup: Arrange three distinct stations – flour for initial dusting, egg-milk mixture for binding, and seasoned panko-cornflake blend for crispy exterior.
- Primary Coating: Systematically dredge cheese cubes through flour, ensuring light, even coverage to help subsequent layers adhere properly.
- Egg Dipping: Thoroughly coat floured cubes in egg mixture, guaranteeing complete coverage for optimal breadcrumb attachment.
- Breading Process: Generously roll dampened cubes in seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create a robust, textured exterior.
- Double Coating: Repeat egg and breadcrumb process to build a more substantial crispy shell around the cheese.
- Oil Preparation: Heat oil in deep pan to medium-high temperature, creating ideal conditions for rapid, even browning.
- Frying Technique: Carefully submerge coated cheese cubes in hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure consistent golden color.
- Finishing Touch: Fry for 30-45 seconds until achieving a rich, golden-brown exterior that indicates perfect crispiness.
- Serving: Drain fried cheese bites on paper towels and serve immediately with complementary dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Freeze Cheese Strategically: Quick chill in freezer prevents melting and maintains structural integrity during high-heat cooking.
- Create Consistent Coating: Layer each cheese cube methodically through flour, egg, and breadcrumb stations to ensure maximum crunch and even coverage.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 350-375°F for golden-brown exterior without burning or excessive oil absorption.
- Batch Frying Technique: Avoid overcrowding pan by frying small quantities, allowing each cheese bite to crisp evenly and prevent temperature drop.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg