Tempt your taste buds with this easy recipe for golden brown Fried Cheese—crispy, gooey, and ideal for backyard gatherings!
My American-Italian family raised me with a deep appreciation for cheese, especially as an appetizer. But it’s my best friend from down south who’s teaching me how to enjoy fried cheese—a decadent snack of breadcrumb-coated cheddar cubes. This golden brown hors d’oeuvre is perfect for parties, picnics, or game days.
Don’t let the “fried” aspect frighten you. There’s no need for a fancy deep fryer with this recipe. All you need is a deep pot and four cups of frying oil. Use a mesh ladle or a pair of tongs to remove the fried cheese chunks from the oil, and drain them on paper towels. Ta-da! Enough crispy, cheesy chunks to last the night and then some.
If you’re new to deep-frying foods yourself, this can be a fun way to learn. Although the oil usually stays in the pot, I suggest wearing an apron and gloves to protect your clothes and skin from stray splatters, just in case.
In about an hour, you’ll have some savory golden nuggets to nosh on that are crispy on the outside and ooey-gooey on the inside. What’s not to enjoy?
Is Fried Cheese Healthy?
Since it’s deep-fried in oil, fried cheese is not the healthiest snack option, although it does have some protein. Once in a while, for parties, this can be a great appetizer, but it’s definitely not something to eat every day. If needed, use gluten-free flour from King Arthur or Bob’s Red Mill. For breadcrumbs, the brand 4C makes some scrumptious rice-based ones. As always, keep an eye out for the most suitable options for you.
Vegan Fried Cheese
If you’re vegan, you’re in luck—you can actually adapt this fried cheese recipe to fit your diet. At first glance, you might think: “What the heck? How is vegan fried cheese possible?” But these days, with all the plant-based products in grocery stores, there are plenty of solid options for dairy-free folk and vegans. Keep an eye out for vegan cheddars that would be perfect for this alternative recipe.
Keep in mind that you’ll also need to exchange the egg for a vegan egg replacement, and make sure your breadcrumbs are 100% plant-based. The key to vegan eating is to scope out the best plant-based products on the market and always read the ingredients.
FAQs & Tips
Let the fried cheese cool completely before storing it in an airtight container and refrigerating it for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, simply pop in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, until they’re nice and crispy.
Yes! To prep your fried cheese ahead of time, follow steps one through three and then move the frozen, uncooked cheese chunks to a freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer until you’re ready to fry them!
This recipe calls for a block of cheddar cheese, but you could also use mozzarella, cheese curds, queso blanco, or provolone. Basically, any cheese that has a high melting point can be fried.
Any oil with a neutral flavor and a high smoke point will do. The most common options that meet this criteria are vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and avocado oil.
Serving Suggestions
Become the star of the party before it’s even started! Garnish your golden and crispy fried cheese with fresh parsley, basil, or cilantro. Serve with any of your favorite dipping sauces like Chipotle Salsa, Bravas Sauce, Guacamole Salsa, Red Pepper Hummus, or Tahini. Depending on your craving and the special occasion, there are so many different dips to try. Fried cheese can also be a side for Baked Hamburgers, or a crouton-like topping for Chopped Salad.
Fried Cheese
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
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 cups frying oil such as vegetable oil
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Combine flour, salt, pepper, dried parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Place breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
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Dip each cheese cube first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
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Freeze the coated cheese cubes for 40 minutes to set the coating.
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Heat oil to 375°F in a deep pot. Fry the cheese cubes in batches until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
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Drain on paper towels. Serve warm with fresh parsley sprinkled on top.
Nutrition
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