Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Cubes
- Cut the Cheese: Cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes. Make sure each piece is about the same size for even cooking.
- Freeze Cheese Cubes: Place the cubes on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 30 minutes. This will prevent the cheese from melting too quickly while frying.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Stations
- Flour Bowl: In a shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour.
- Egg Wash: In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Cheese Cubes
- Dredge in Flour: Take each frozen cheese cube and dredge it in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the flour-coated cube in the egg mixture to fully coat.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the cheese cube in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the cheese to make sure they adhere well.
- Double Dip (Optional): For an extra crispy coating, dip the cheese bite back into the egg wash and then into the breadcrumbs again. This double coating can help keep the cheese contained while frying.
Step 4: Fry the Cheese Bites
- Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches 350°F or when a small piece of bread dropped in sizzles and turns golden in about 1 minute.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully place a few cheese bites into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides.
- Drain and Cool: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried cheese bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve Hot: Serve your fried cheese bites immediately while they’re warm and gooey.
- Dipping Sauce Options: Pair with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo for dipping.
Tips for Success
- Freeze the Cheese: Freezing the cheese cubes before frying keeps them from melting too quickly in the hot oil, giving you a perfect gooey inside without a mess.
- Double Coating: Double-breading (dipping back in the egg and breadcrumbs) provides a sturdier crust to hold in the melted cheese.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough; otherwise, the cheese will melt before the coating crisps up. Aim for 350°F and adjust the heat as needed between batches.
Storage and Reheating
- Store Leftovers: If you have any cheese bites left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until they’re warm and crispy again.
Variations and Customizations
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheese varieties like pepper jack, Swiss, or Gouda for different flavors.
- Spice It Up: Add a little kick by mixing cayenne pepper or paprika into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Herb Infusion: Freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil in the breadcrumb mixture add a burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions
These fried cheese bites make an excellent appetizer or side dish, and they’re perfect for parties. For a full snack spread, serve with other crowd-pleasers like fried pickles, chicken tenders, or potato skins.
Enjoy these crispy, golden Homemade Fried Cheese Bites – they’re bound to be a hit!