Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
- Cut the Cheese: Cut the block of cheese into 1-inch cubes. You want them small enough to be bite-sized, but not so small that they’ll melt away when fried.
- Freeze the Cheese Cubes: Place the cheese cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep the cheese from melting too quickly while frying, giving you a perfectly gooey center without too much oozing.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Prepare Three Bowls: In one bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Breading the Cheese: Take each frozen cheese cube and coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, and finally roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. For an extra-crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step to double coat the cheese.
Step 3: Fry the Cheese Bites
- Heat the Oil: In a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot, pour in enough vegetable oil to cover the cheese bites completely. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles and browns in about 30 seconds, it’s ready.
- Fry the Cheese Bites: Carefully drop a few cheese bites at a time into the hot oil. Fry for about 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown on all sides. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and make the bites less crispy.
- Drain and Cool: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese bites from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Step 4: Serve
Serve your fried cheese bites hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or a spicy aioli. Enjoy their melty, gooey centers and crispy, golden crust!
Tips for Perfect Fried Cheese Bites
- Freezing is Key: Don’t skip the freezing step! It helps the cheese bites keep their shape while frying and ensures a gooey, melty center.
- Double-Coating: For an extra-crispy result, double coat each cheese bite in the egg and breadcrumb mixture.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature (350°F) is crucial to achieving a crispy exterior without over-melting the cheese.
Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to retain their crispy texture.
Enjoy your irresistible homemade fried cheese bites—perfectly crunchy, cheesy, and guaranteed to be a hit!