These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are the ultimate snack-time indulgence—crispy on the outside, irresistibly gooey on the inside. Made with mozzarella string cheese and a simple breading, they come together in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for parties, game days, or satisfying late-night cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, these bites are perfect for impromptu gatherings or quick snacks.
Minimal Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples, making it convenient to prepare without a special trip to the store.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crispy coating and melted cheese is universally loved.
Versatile: Serve with various dipping sauces to suit different tastes.
Customizable: Easily adjust the seasoning or add spices to the breading for a personalized touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

10 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk
1½ cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for fryingSimply Delicious+3thecomfortofcooking.com+3Dancing Through the Rain+3Reddit+2Dancing Through the Rain+2thecomfortofcooking.com+2

Directions

Prepare the Cheese: Cut the mozzarella string cheese into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch each.
Set Up Breading Stations: Place the flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, add the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs.
Bread the Cheese Bites: Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge the cheese chunks in flour, ensuring they are fully coated. Dip them into the egg mixture, then roll them in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. For an extra crispy coating, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double layer.
Freeze the Bites: Place the breaded cheese bites on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent the cheese from oozing out during frying.
Heat the Oil: In a deep saucepan or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Cheese Bites: Fry the cheese bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve: Serve the fried cheese bites warm with your choice of dipping sauces, such as marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 40 bite-sized pieces
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the breadcrumbs for a spicy version.
Herb-Infused: Mix dried herbs like oregano or basil into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
Cheese Alternatives: Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
Baking Option: For a lighter version, bake the breaded cheese bites at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover fried cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked, breaded cheese bites on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh mozzarella instead of string cheese?

Yes, fresh mozzarella can be used, but it has a higher moisture content. Be sure to pat it dry thoroughly before breading to prevent excess oil splatter during frying.

Why is freezing the cheese bites before frying necessary?

Freezing helps the breading adhere better and prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and oozing out during frying.

Easy Fried Cheese Bites – Crunchy, Gooey, Addictive!

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: ~40 bites
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Easy Fried Cheese Bites are the ultimate snack—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and made in just 20 minutes! Bite-sized mozzarella chunks are coated, fried to golden perfection, and served hot for the perfect party appetizer or game-day indulgence.

Ingredients

10 oz mozzarella string cheese, cut into bite-sized chunks
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

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Instructions

Prepare a breading station: Place flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk eggs with milk. In a third, combine breadcrumbs with garlic powder (if using).
Roll each mozzarella chunk in flour, then dip in egg mixture, and finally coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, double dip in egg and breadcrumbs again.
Place breaded cheese bites on a plate and freeze for 10–15 minutes to prevent cheese from leaking during frying.
Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Fry cheese bites in batches for 30–60 seconds or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch, or your favorite dip.

Notes

Freezing before frying is key to keep the cheese from melting too fast.
Can be made ahead and frozen—just fry straight from the freezer.
Try using different cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for variety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Fried
Cuisine: American