Description
Crispy parmesan cheese bites elevate simple appetizers with Mediterranean flair. Home cooks can quickly prepare these golden-brown morsels that deliver rich flavor and irresistible texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking Ingredient:
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Transform cheese blocks into compact, uniform cubes ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Establish three separate containers: one with flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third blending breadcrumbs with aromatic garlic powder, vibrant paprika, seasoning salt, and ground black pepper.
- Methodically enrobe each cheese cube first in flour, creating a delicate preliminary coating, then immerse thoroughly in egg mixture, and finally encrust completely with seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Repeat coating process for enhanced crispiness.
- Prepare deep skillet, heating vegetable oil to precise 350F (175C), monitoring temperature with cooking thermometer for optimal frying conditions.
- Carefully lower cheese cubes into hot oil, working in controlled batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain consistent temperature. Fry approximately 60-90 seconds until exterior transforms into rich golden-brown color and develops crisp exterior.
- Extract cheese bites using slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain onto absorbent paper towels. Transfer immediately to serving platter while maintaining peak temperature and crunchiness. Accompany with preferred dipping sauce for enhanced flavor experience.
Notes
- Keep cheese cold before breading to prevent melting during frying and maintain shape.
- Double-coat breadcrumbs for extra crunch and better adherence to cheese surface.
- Use firm cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda that hold shape when heated.
- Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg