Description
Crispy and delicious fried cheese cubes coated in seasoned flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a savory appetizer or snack garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
Coating and Main Ingredient
- 1 1/3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups frying oil (such as vegetable oil)
Garnish
- Freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare bowls: Set up three separate bowls for the coating process. In the first bowl, combine the flour, kosher salt, black pepper, dried parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder to form the seasoned flour mixture. In the second bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat cheese: Take each 1-inch cheese cube and first dip it into the seasoned flour, ensuring a light but even coating. Next, submerge the floured cheese cube into the beaten eggs, then roll it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs to cover completely. Place each coated cube on a parchment-lined tray for easy handling.
- Freeze the coated cubes: Transfer the tray of coated cheese cubes to the freezer and let them chill for 40 minutes. This step helps the coating set firmly on the cheese to prevent it from falling off during frying.
- Heat oil for frying: Pour 4 cups of vegetable oil into a deep pot or heavy-bottomed pan and heat it to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for optimal frying results.
- Fry cheese cubes: Fry the cheese cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Gently place them into the hot oil and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them carefully from the oil once cooked.
- Drain and serve: Place the fried cheese cubes on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Freezing coated cheese cubes before frying is crucial to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and losing the coating.
- Use a deep pot for frying to maintain oil temperature and avoid splatters.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 375°F for the crispiest texture.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture, as the fried cheese can become soggy if left to sit.
- Cheddar cheese works well, but you can experiment with other firm cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: fried cheese, crispy cheese cubes, cheddar cheese appetizer, panko breadcrumb cheese, deep-fried cheese
