Fried Cheese Bites
Golden, crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside — these bite-sized cheese nuggets are irresistible! Coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and fried until crisp, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack, or halloumi — cut into 1-inch cubes)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Oil, for frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
Optional for serving:
Marinara sauce
Garlic aioli
Sweet chili sauce
Tzatziki
Instructions
Prepare coating station
Place flour in one bowl.
Beaten eggs in another.
In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Coat cheese bites
Toss cheese cubes in flour, shake off excess.
Dip into egg wash, then into breadcrumb mixture.
Repeat egg + breadcrumb coating for a double crust (recommended for no cheese leaks).
Chill
Place coated bites on a tray and refrigerate 20 minutes (helps coating stick).
Fry
Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C).
Fry cheese bites in small batches until golden brown (about 1–2 minutes).
Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels.
Serve
Enjoy hot with dipping sauces of choice.
Notes & Tips
Freezer-friendly: coat bites, freeze on a tray, then store in a bag. Fry straight from frozen (add 1–2 minutes cooking time).
Use mozzarella for a melty pull, or halloumi if you want them to stay firm.
If you prefer lighter, air-fry at 390°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes — bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once, though frying gives the best crunch.
Q: What cheese works best?
Mozzarella for gooeyness, cheddar for sharp flavor, or halloumi/feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Q: Can I prep these ahead?
Yes, coat them in advance, refrigerate up to 24 hours, then fry before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~290 kcal
Protein: 13 g
Carbs: 18 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g