Cheese bites are a tasty snack made with mozzarella cheese that is then breaded and fried. This popular bite-sized appetizer can be made at home and perfect for your next game day, movie night or potluck.
This yummy versatile cheese appetizer is crispy on the outside from the breading and inside a melty cheese inside. Pop them in your mouth one at a time or pull them apart and enjoy the cheesy goodness.
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❤️ Why its a must-try
- Versatile snack recipe - Swap out the mozzarella for another cheese like cheddar, provolone or Monterey jack cheese.
- Fun to eat - These bite-sized cheesy bites are just like the bigger version of mozzarella sticks except they are easy to pop right in your mouth.
- Kids can help - Enlist the help of your kids when it comes to breading the cut up cheese bites.
- Make ahead appetizer - bread the cheese bites and then fry just before serving. Takes less than a minute to cook.
- Better homemade - Homemade mozzarella cheese bites can be made to order. You control how much seasoning, cheese and oil.
- Few ingredients - A delicious appetizer and only needs a handful of everyday pantry items to make.
📝 Ingredients
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📋 Ingredient Notes
- Cheese sticks: These cheese bites are made from the traditional mozzarella string cheese sticks, but use your favorite kind of cheese.
- Egg: One large egg.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used.
- Bread crumbs: Plain or even Italian breadcrumbs can be used in this recipe.
- Italian seasoning: Adds flavor to the breadcrumbs.
- Oil: An oil with a higher smoke point such as vegetable oil or canola are good choices and are budget-friendly.
- Salt & pepper: Perfect for seasoning the batter and will bring out the flavors of the cheese after frying.
🥣 Equipment
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- Frying pan
- Splatter screen
- Skimmer slotted spoon
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🥄 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Cut each breadstick into four equal parts. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Place the flour in another bowl and mix with another pinch of salt and pepper. In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and Italian seasoning.
- Line a baking dish or plate with parchment paper and set aside. Dust each piece of cheese with flour, then dip into the egg mixture bowl, then into the breadcrumbs to cover. Place on the baking sheet and proceed with the rest until you are done with the whole batch.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat; when ready, fry the cheese bites in hot oil in batches until golden brown; do not leave them. They only take 15-20 seconds per side to get golden brown.
- Remove from heat and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve with your favorite sauce.
💡Amira's Tips
- You need to prepare the whole batch then fry, do not start frying until they are all done. You won't be able to prepare and fry at the same time.
- Beware that these bites brown quickly so do not leave the pan and go anywhere.
- It is recommended to check the temperature of the oil, it should be between 325 -350°F. This ensures the oil is hot and ready to start frying.
- Fry only about a some handful at a time, overcrowding the pan may over saturate the cheese bites with oil and can make the cheese burst out on the sides as well as deflating once taken out of the pan.
🧺 Storage
Refrigerate - Place leftover cheese bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for 2-3 days.
Reheat- place on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 5 minutes to crisp up or you can reheat in the air fryer as well.
Freezer—Freeze in a single layer on the baking sheet until hardened, then remove to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
⌛ Make Ahead
Cheese bites can be breaded ahead of time and laid on a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wrap and refrigerate until ready to fry.
🍽️ Serve With
Cheese bites are delicious on their own, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara, tomato sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or even BBQ sauce.
👩🍳 Variations
- Instead of mozzarella cheese sticks, you can cut up one inch cubes of other cheese such as sharp cheddar cheese, provolone, Monterey jack or pepper jack.
- Swap out the breading, try using panko or an already seasoning breadcrumb.
- Try your favorite seasoning in place of the Italian seasoning. Add it into the breadcrumb mixture.
💬 FAQs
Cheese bites can burst if the oil is not hot enough or if the cheese bites are not cold enough. If you are not frying up the cheese bites right away, keep them cold in your refrigerator.
Use a food thermometer to check if the oil is at 325°-350°F. If you put the cheese bites in the oil before it is hot, the cheese bite will soak up the oil, deflate and the cheese may burst. Ensuring a proper temperature will cook these up in seconds.
📣 Related Recipes
- If you love cheese bites, you will want to check out these 31 more easy game day appetizers. Wings, fried cauliflower, crescent roll smokies - so many fun appetizers to choose from!
- Can't get enough cheesy goodness, this easy Chicken Tetrazzini is the cheesiest and kids will be asking for more.
- Wondering what will make everyone drool at your next summer potluck. You will want to make and bring these BBQ Chicken sliders. Each bite is loaded with shredded chicken, onions and bbq sauce.
More Party Appetizers
- Potato Croquettes are crispy, golden brown savory bites. Irresistibly delicious and perfect for any occasion! Serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delightful side dish.
- These Potato Cheese Balls are a delicious bite-size snack with a crispy exterior and a gooey, melty cheese center. They are a savory and satisfying kid-friendly snack or side dish.
- Delicious, tangy, and flaky, this Spanakopita Recipe in Puff Pastry is buttery and flaky with a tangy, refreshing filling.
- Bring the flavor of your favorite chips to your kitchen with this recipe for Homemade Doritos. Snack time just got better!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating! Thank you.
Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- 5 cheese sticks Mozzarella or any type
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup flour
- ⅓ breadcrumbs
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Oil for frying
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut each cheese stick into 4 equal parts.
- In a small bowl beat the egg with a pinch of salt and black pepper
- In another bowl place your flour and mix with another pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a third bowl mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning.
- Line a baking dish or plate with parchment paper and set aside.
- Dust each piece of cheese with flour then dip into the egg bowl then into the bread crumb mix to cover.
- Place on the baking sheet and proceed with the rest until you are done with the whole batch.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat, when ready fry the cheese bites in batches until golden brown, do not leave them they only take 15-20 seconds per side to get golden brown.
- Remove from heat and place on a plate lined with paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauce.
Notes
- You need to prepare the whole batch then fry, do not start frying until they are all done you won’t be able to prepare and fry at the same time.
- Beware that these bites brown quickly so do not leave the pan and go anywhere.
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.
Nutrition
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