Description
Indulge in the ultimate snack experience with Crispy Cheesy Mozzarella Bites, where golden, crunchy exteriors meet the irresistible melt of mozzarella cheese. Perfect for any gathering or a solo treat, these bites are a delightfully simple yet profoundly satisfying way to savor the beloved flavors of cheese in a bite-sized form. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, they’re sure to become your go-to for a quick culinary delight that pleases palates of all ages.
Ingredients
- 10 oz mozzarella string cheese (or 10 sticks)
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by cutting the string cheese sticks into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the milk and whisk again to create an egg mixture.
- Set up two additional bowls—one with flour and the other with bread crumbs. Arrange them in a line: flour, egg mixture, bread crumbs.
- Take each cheese piece and coat it first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the bread crumbs. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350°F. You can test the oil’s readiness by using a wooden spoon handle—bubbles should form around it when placed in the oil.
- Fry 5-7 cheese bites at a time for about 30 seconds, making sure they don’t stick together. They should turn a lovely golden brown.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the bites from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining cheese bites.
- Serve your hot and crispy mozzarella bites immediately, either with your favorite pasta sauce for dipping or enjoy them as they are.
Notes
Freeze Before Frying: For an even gooier center and to prevent cheese from leaking out, consider freezing the cheese bites for about 30 minutes before frying. This helps maintain their shape and ensures a perfectly melted interior.
Ensure Proper Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check the oil is at 350°F before frying. Too hot, and the outside burns before the cheese melts; too cool, and the bites absorb excess oil, becoming soggy.
Breading Tips: To ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well, press them gently onto the cheese after dipping in the egg mixture. For an extra crispy exterior, you can double-dip the bites by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
Serving Suggestions: While delicious on their own, these mozzarella bites can be paired with a variety of dipping sauces, from classic marinara to a creamy ranch or even a spicy buffalo sauce, to enhance the flavors and add an extra dimension to the snack.
Avoid Overcrowding: When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and to maintain the oil temperature, resulting in perfectly crispy bites every time.
Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the mozzarella bites on a wire rack over a sheet pan or paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and prevents a greasy aftertaste.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the perfect Crispy Cheesy Mozzarella Bites that are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.