Fried Cheese
This Fried Cheese recipe delivers crispy, golden bites with a gooey, melty cheese center. Perfect as a quick snack, party appetizer, or comfort food, these cheese sticks are ready in under 20 minutes and can be customized with different cheeses and coatings. Serve warm with your favorite dips for an irresistible crunchy-cheesy treat that kids and adults will love.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16-20 cheese sticks)
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free Option Available
Cheese
- Mozzarella cheese blocks or sticks (or similar melting cheese)
Coating
- All-purpose flour, enough for dredging (about 1 cup)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (about 1/2 tsp each)
- Eggs, 2 large, beaten
- Bread crumbs (preferably panko), about 1.5 cups
- Oil for frying, vegetable or canola oil, enough to submerge cheese sticks
- Prepare the Cheese: Cut your cheese into sticks or bite-sized blocks, making sure each piece is uniform for even cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third filled with bread crumbs. This classic breading technique creates that irresistible crispy layer once fried.
- Coat the Cheese: First, dredge the cheese pieces in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the egg until fully coated, and finally press them into the bread crumbs, ensuring each piece is completely covered. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and bread crumb step once more.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat your oil in a deep skillet or fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the coated cheese sticks in batches and fry for 1–2 minutes per side, or until beautifully golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels immediately to keep them crunchy.
- Serve Warm and Enjoy: Serve your Fried Cheese piping hot with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or honey mustard for a snack everyone will rave about.
Notes
- Freeze coated cheese sticks in the freezer for 30 minutes before frying to prevent cheese from melting too fast.
- Use fresh oil for frying to ensure a better taste and crispier finish.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- Drain fried cheese on paper towels or a wire rack to absorb excess oil and keep the coating crisp.
- Experiment with different melting cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or a cheese blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 cheese sticks
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: fried cheese, cheese sticks, crispy snack, appetizer, party food, comfort food, mozzarella sticks, quick snack