Start snack time on a satisfying note with these crisp, melty cubes of cheese!
Have you ever had the kind of mac and cheese that’s topped with breadcrumbs? Each forkful is ooey-gooey and delicious. Well, that’s what this snack tastes like, but in a full-on finger food. No fork needed!
Fried cheese is an easy way to transform plain cheddar into crispy cubes with lusciously melty insides. Each cheesy bite tastes more satisfying than the next—even more so with dipping sauces like marinara or mustard—reminiscent of breaded mozzarella sticks.
If you’ve never fried anything before, don’t worry. This recipe is great for beginners. The breading is simple, and each step flows easily into the next, so there’s no getting your wires crossed here. Classic layers of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs turn into a golden brown crust bursting with savory flavor and a satisfyingly subtle crunch. When it comes to party appetizers, this one is an easy win that will have your loved ones coming back for more.
How to avoid oozing cheese
With a lower melting point than many firmer cheeses, cheddar is best fried after it’s been chilled in the freezer for around 30 minutes. So, to avoid any cheese oozing out of the breading while frying, make sure it’s cold first. This will help the cheese cubes stay solid until you pull them apart with that first satisfying bite.
How do I store leftovers?
Ensure that your leftover fried cheese has cooled to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days or transfer your fried cheese to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Then you can heat them up in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. If they were frozen, bake them for a little longer to make sure they’re completely warm.
Similar recipes to try
Want to try something very similar, but with a milder type of cheese? Check out the classic Mozzarella Sticks—a delight to dip in any of your favorite sauces. But cheese isn’t the only tasty treat that you can fry. If you want to get a little fancy, try Delicious Fried Calamari—a protein-packed seafood snack that also makes an excellent appetizer. In a similar vein, consider crafting Low-Carb Coconut Fried Shrimp With Sugar-Free Cocktail Sauce. Last but not least, if you’re craving something more veggie-based, then consider the iconic Blooming Onion. It’s slightly sweet and ideal for pre-dinner snacking.
Fried Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 16 ounces cheddar cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
- Vegetable oil for frying enough to fill a deep pan about 2 inches deep
- Preferred dipping sauce optional
Instructions
- In one shallow bowl, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and cayenne. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dip each cheese cube first in the flour mixture, then in the egg, and finally in the panko. Gently press to help the breadcrumbs stick. For a thicker coating, you can double-bread them.
- Place the breaded cheese cubes on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze them for 20-30 minutes. This step ensures the coating stays intact during frying.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 375°F. Fry the chilled cheese cubes in small batches for roughly 3 minutes until the coating is golden and crisp.
- Remove the cheese with a slotted spoon and let the pieces drain on paper towels. Serve warm, accompanied by dipping sauce if desired.
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