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These string cheese nuggets turn basic mozzarella sticks into golden, crunchy bites with gooey insides. We stumbled on these tasty treats during our movie nights, and they've quickly become the snack everyone begs for—they vanish almost as soon as they hit the plate!
I whipped these cheese bites up when friends dropped by unexpectedly, and now they're what everyone asks for when they visit. Seeing someone's face light up after that first bite of stretchy, melty goodness makes the whole process worthwhile.
Ingredients
- 10 oz mozzarella string cheese: This cheese melts perfectly and gives that satisfying stretch when you take a bite
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs: Adds flavor and that must-have crunch factor
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base layer that helps everything else stick properly
- 2 eggs: Works as the glue between your coating layers
- 1/4 cup milk: Makes the egg mixture easier to work with
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Brings a nice kick that plays well with the mild cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying: Pick something neutral that can handle high heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese:
- Slice string cheese into 1-inch chunks. Keep them in the fridge until you're ready to coat them so they stay firm.
- Set Up Dredging Station:
- Line up three bowls side by side. Put flour in bowl one. In bowl two, beat eggs well, then stir in milk until smooth. Fill bowl three with bread crumbs. Want some heat? Mix cayenne into the bread crumbs.
- Coat the Cheese:
- Take a few cheese pieces and roll them in flour until fully covered. Tap off any extra. Dunk them in the egg mix, making sure they're completely wet. Last, roll them in bread crumbs, pushing gently so crumbs stick all over. Put coated pieces aside.
- Heat the Oil:
- Add about 2 inches of oil to a medium pan. Heat to 350°F. To check if it's hot enough, stick a wooden spoon handle in—if bubbles form around it, you're good to go. Oil that's too cool will let cheese leak out before coating crisps; too hot and the outside will burn while the cheese isn't melty.
- Fry in Batches:
- Gently drop 5-7 cheese bites into the hot oil, leaving room between them. Cook for about 30 seconds until they turn golden, flipping once if needed. Watch them closely—they cook super fast.
- Drain and Serve:
- Lift the fried bites out with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to soak up extra oil. Keep going with the rest of your batches. Serve right away while they're hot and the cheese is perfectly gooey.
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What makes these cheese bites work is coating them three times. I found out the hard way—after several cheese explosions—that getting the coating right is key. Now my daughter helps with the dipping process, and we've turned it into our special kitchen hang-out time while she tells me about school.
Double Coating for Extra Crispiness
Want them even crunchier? Try coating them twice. After you've gone through the whole coating process once, dip them back in the egg mix and roll in bread crumbs again. This makes a thicker shell that keeps cheese from leaking out and gives you maximum crunch. Just make sure to press the crumbs on gently but firmly so they stick well.
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Perfect Dipping Sauces
These cheese bites taste great by themselves, but dipping sauces take them up a notch. Marinara is a classic choice that cuts through the richness. Ranch offers a cool, creamy contrast to the warm bites. For something different, try mixing honey with a dash of hot sauce for a sweet-spicy combo that folks can't seem to get enough of.
Make Ahead Tips
You can get these ready up to a day before you need them. Do all the coating steps, then put them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don't touch. Chill them uncovered for 30 minutes to set the coating, then move them to a container with parchment between layers. When you're ready to eat, fry them straight from the fridge, just adding a few extra seconds to the cooking time.
Baked Alternative
Frying gives you the best cheese bite experience, but baking works for a lighter option. Heat your oven to 425°F and put the coated cheese bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush or spray them with olive oil to help them brown. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden, just before the cheese starts to escape. They'll have a different texture but still taste great and create less mess.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → What type of cheese is best for fried bites?
String mozzarella is ideal since it gets perfectly melty while keeping a nice soft feel after frying.
- → How do I prevent the cheese from leaking during frying?
Make sure you've got a complete layer of flour, egg mixture, and bread crumbs around each piece to block the hot oil.
- → Can I bake the cheese bites instead of frying?
Sure thing, just pop them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on some parchment paper for around 10-12 minutes until they look golden.
- → What dips pair well with cheese bites?
Try them with tomato sauce, creamy ranch, or spiced mayo for some amazing taste combos.
- → How can I make them spicier?
Mix some hot pepper or red pepper bits into your bread crumbs before covering the cheese pieces.