Crispy Fried Cheese is a delicious appetizer featuring a crunchy, golden-brown coating with a gooey, melty cheese center. Whether served with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey, this dish is an irresistible snack for cheese lovers. Perfect for parties, game nights, or simply indulging in a comforting treat, this recipe is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy on the outside, warm and gooey on the inside.
- Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
- Versatile—serve as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
- Customizable with different cheeses and coatings.
- Can be made ahead and frozen for later use.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite variety)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Regular breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying
- Marinara sauce or ranch dressing (for dipping)
Directions
- Cut the cheese into sticks or bite-sized cubes. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to prevent melting while frying.
- Set up a breading station:
- Place flour in one bowl.
- Beat eggs in a second bowl.
- In a third bowl, mix panko, regular breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each cheese piece by dipping it first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the cheese in small batches for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or honey.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Freezing Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Different Cheeses: Try gouda, halloumi, brie, or provolone for unique flavors.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in dried basil, oregano, or parsley into the breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Air Fryer Version: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover fried cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze breaded (uncooked) cheese pieces on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking while frying?
Freezing the cheese before frying and ensuring a double coating of breadcrumbs helps prevent leakage.
What is the best cheese for frying?
Mozzarella, halloumi, and cheddar are great options because they hold their shape well when melted.
Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Why is my coating falling off?
Make sure to press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the cheese and let the coated cheese rest for a few minutes before frying.
What oil should I use for frying?
Use neutral oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the cheese and freeze it until ready to fry.
How do I make it extra crispy?
Use a mix of panko and regular breadcrumbs, and double-coat the cheese for extra crunch.
What dipping sauces go well with crispy fried cheese?
Marinara sauce, honey mustard, ranch, sriracha mayo, or even hot honey work well.
Can I use string cheese for this recipe?
Yes, mozzarella string cheese works great for making uniform cheese sticks.
What side dishes pair well with fried cheese?
It pairs well with salads, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit for balance.
Conclusion
Crispy Fried Cheese is a simple yet indulgent snack that is crispy on the outside and irresistibly gooey inside. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, this appetizer is always a hit. With endless variations and dipping options, it is a must-try for cheese lovers. Enjoy it fresh and hot for the best experience!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Golden, crunchy, and filled with gooey melted cheese, this crispy fried cheese is the ultimate appetizer or snack. Perfectly seasoned and served with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup (120g) mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup (60g) cheddar cheese, cubed
For the Coating:
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying:
- 2 cups (480ml) vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating Station:
- In one bowl, add flour.
- In another bowl, beat eggs.
- In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Cheese:
- Dip each cheese cube in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a double layer to ensure crispiness.
- Place coated cheese on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes to prevent melting during frying.
- Fry the Cheese:
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan.
- Fry cheese pieces in batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch, or honey mustard.
Notes
- Freezing the cheese before frying helps keep the shape intact.
- Use a thermometer to maintain the correct frying temperature.
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