Description
Crispy manchego cheese bites dance with Spanish flavors in this quick appetizer. Salty, golden nuggets invite guests to savor a delightful starter perfect for sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 10 ounces (280 grams) mozzarella string cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
Coating Ingredients:
- 1 cup (120 grams) flour
- 1 cup (120 grams) Italian bread crumbs
Seasoning Ingredient:
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Slice string cheese into uniform, bite-sized chunks using a clean cutting board, ensuring each piece is roughly equal in size.
- Create a smooth egg wash by whisking eggs and milk together in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy.
- Arrange three separate shallow dishes: first with flour, middle with egg mixture, and last with bread crumbs, positioning them in a convenient assembly line format.
- Carefully coat each cheese piece by first rolling in flour, then dipping completely in egg mixture, and finally generously covering with bread crumbs, placing prepared bites on a clean plate.
- Heat vegetable oil in a medium skillet to 350 degrees fahrenheit, confirming temperature by observing consistent bubbling around a wooden spoon handle.
- Line a separate plate with paper towels to absorb excess oil after frying.
- Gently drop 5-7 coated cheese pieces into hot oil, maintaining space between bites to prevent sticking, and fry for approximately 30 seconds.
- Extract golden-brown cheese bites using a slotted spoon, transferring immediately to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Continue frying remaining cheese pieces in similar batches, monitoring oil temperature and color of bites.
- Serve piping hot alongside marinara sauce or enjoy unaccompanied as a crispy appetizer.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Choose mozzarella string cheese for consistent size and melting properties, but experiment with other firm cheeses like cheddar or gouda for variety.
- Coating Technique Freeze cheese pieces for 15 minutes before coating to prevent melting during frying and ensure a crispier exterior.
- Temperature Control Maintain oil at steady 350°F using a kitchen thermometer for evenly golden and crispy cheese bites without burning.
- Diet Modifications Create gluten-free version by substituting flour with almond flour and using gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg