Crispy Italian Cheese Bites (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Cheese & Breadcrumbs
01 -
Fresh grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup
02 -
Shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup
03 -
Golden panko breadcrumbs, 1 cup
→ Coating & Seasonings
04 -
Large eggs, 2
05 -
All-purpose flour, 1/2 cup
06 -
Aromatic garlic powder, 1 teaspoon
07 -
Italian seasoning blend, 1 teaspoon
08 -
Sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon
09 -
Freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon
→ For Cooking & Serving
10 -
Vegetable oil for frying
11 -
Your favorite marinara sauce for dipping
# Instructions:
01 -
Create your first coating station by combining Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. For your third station, mix the flour with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
02 -
Take about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form a perfect little ball. Continue this process with all the remaining cheese mixture.
03 -
Now for the fun part! Roll each cheese ball first in the seasoned flour, then give it a bath in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the panko mixture until completely covered.
04 -
Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet to reach about 2 inches deep. Heat it up over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test by dropping a breadcrumb in - it should sizzle and turn golden within about 30 seconds.
05 -
Working in small batches, carefully lower the coated cheese balls into the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy exterior.
06 -
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried cheese bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Serve them while they're still warm and gooey inside, alongside your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
# Notes:
01 -
These crispy cheese bites are perfect as a party appetizer or game day snack
02 -
You can prepare the cheese balls ahead of time and freeze them before frying