Quick and Easy Fried Cheese Bites (Print version)
Crispy fried cheese bites with a gooey mozzarella center, made in about 25 minutes using string cheese and a double breadcrumb coating.
# Ingredients:
Cheese bites
01 -
8 string cheese sticks, halved crosswise (about 8 oz / 225 g low-moisture mozzarella)
02 -
1/3 cup (45 g) all-purpose flour
03 -
2 large eggs
04 -
2 teaspoons milk
05 -
1 1/2 cups (150 g) Italian-style breadcrumbs
06 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
08 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 -
vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups / 480 ml)
For serving
10 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
11 -
1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce, warmed
# Instructions:
01 -
Put flour in one shallow bowl. Whisk eggs and milk in a second. Mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third.
02 -
Cut each string cheese stick in half. Roll each piece in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb layer once more so the shell is thick and sealed. Lay the sticks on a parchment-lined pan.
03 -
Place the pan in the freezer for at least 45 minutes until the coating feels firm. This step keeps the cheese from leaking into the oil.
04 -
Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 350°F. Fry a few sticks at a time for 60 to 90 seconds, turning once, until deep gold. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
05 -
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with warm marinara or your favorite dip.
# Good to know:
01 -
Serve immediately for the crispiest coating and best cheese pull.
02 -
Freezing the breaded sticks before frying is essential to prevent leaks.