Homemade Fried Cheese Bites
Ingredients:
1 block 16 ounces mozzarella cheese or any cheese of your choice
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
Marinara sauce for dipping
1 tablespoon vodka optional, for a crispier coating
Directions:
Prepare the Cheese: Cut the block of cheese into bite-sized cubes about 1 inch. Place the cheese cubes in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to firm up.
Set up Breading Station: In one shallow dish, add the flour. In a second dish, whisk together the eggs and water. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Cheese Bites: Remove the cheese cubes from the freezer. Dip each cheese cube into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating step for a double layer.
Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or saucepan, about 2 inches deep, and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350F 175C.
Fry the Cheese Bites: Carefully place a few cheese bites into the hot oil at a time. Fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining cheese bites.
Serve: Serve the fried cheese bites hot with marinara sauce for dipping. If desired, you can stir 1 tablespoon of vodka into the marinara sauce to enhance the flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal per serving Servings: 6 servings