Description
Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these mozzarella fried cheese bites are the perfect appetizer or snack for cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cut each mozzarella stick into bite-sized pieces and place them in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together.
- Place the flour in a second shallow bowl.
- In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each mozzarella bite in flour, then egg mixture, and then coat in breadcrumbs. For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
- Place coated cheese bites on a tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the bites in batches for 1–2 minutes or until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese beforehand helps prevent it from melting too quickly during frying.
- Double coating creates an extra crispy crust.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- You can air fry the bites at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 bites
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: mozzarella bites, fried cheese, cheese appetizer, party snacks, vegetarian snack