Ohhh yes — Fried Cheese 🧀🔥 — crispy, golden, melty cheese sticks or bites that are pure indulgence. Perfect as an appetizer or snack. Here’s a foolproof method for crispy outside, gooey inside.
Fried Cheese (Cheese Sticks / Bites)
Ingredients
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8 oz cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix), cut into sticks or cubes
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs
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1–2 cups breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain + optional Parmesan)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
Instructions
1) Prep for breading
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Set up a breading station:
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Bowl 1: flour, seasoned with salt & pepper
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Bowl 2: beaten eggs
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Bowl 3: breadcrumbs
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2) Coat the cheese
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Dredge cheese in flour, shaking off excess.
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Dip in egg.
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Coat in breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
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Optional: double-coat for extra crispiness (egg + breadcrumbs again).
3) Chill
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Freeze coated cheese sticks 30–60 minutes. This prevents the cheese from melting too fast in the oil.
4) Fry
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Heat oil to 350°F / 175°C.
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Fry cheese sticks in small batches 1–2 minutes, until golden brown.
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Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5) Serve
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Serve immediately with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Tricks
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Freezing after breading is critical — prevents cheese from oozing out.
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Use firm, low-moisture cheese like mozzarella sticks for best results.
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Can bake at 425°F / 220°C for 10–12 minutes for a slightly lighter version, but frying gives classic golden crunch.
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Spice up breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, or Parmesan.
If you want, I can give a gourmet fried cheese version using halloumi or manchego with a crispy herbed crust — melts differently and tastes amazing.