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These string cheese nuggets turn simple mozzarella sticks into crunchy, golden bites with gooey centers. My kids found these tasty treats during our movie nights, and they've quickly become the snack everyone asks for—they vanish before I can make the next batch!
I whipped these cheese bites up when friends dropped by without warning, and now everyone expects them whenever they visit. Seeing someone's face light up after that first bite of stretchy, warm cheese makes the whole process worthwhile.
What You'll Need
- 10 oz mozzarella string cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and gives that amazing stretch when you bite in
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs: Adds flavor and that must-have crunch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base layer and helps everything else stick
- 2 eggs: Works as the glue between your coating layers
- 1/4 cup milk: Makes the egg mixture easier to work with
- Cayenne pepper (optional): Brings a nice heat that works well with the mild cheese
- Vegetable oil for frying: Pick something without much flavor that can get really hot
How To Make Them
- Get Your Cheese Ready:
- Slice string cheese into small chunks about 1 inch long. Keep them cold until you're ready to coat them so they stay firm.
- Create Your Coating Station:
- Line up three bowls side by side. Put flour in bowl one. In bowl two, beat eggs thoroughly and mix in milk until smooth. Fill bowl three with bread crumbs. If you want them spicy, mix some cayenne into the crumbs.
- Cover The Cheese Pieces:
- Take a few pieces at a time and roll them in flour to cover completely. Tap off extra flour. Dunk them in the egg mix until wet all over. Last, roll them in bread crumbs, pushing gently so crumbs stick everywhere. Put coated pieces on a plate.
- Warm Up The Oil:
- Add about 2 inches of oil to a medium pan. Heat it to 350°F. You can check if it's ready by putting a wooden spoon handle in—if bubbles form around it, you're good to go. If oil's too cool, cheese leaks before coating gets crispy; too hot and outside burns while inside stays cold.
- Cook In Small Groups:
- Gently drop 5 to 7 cheese bites into hot oil, leaving room between them. Cook about 30 seconds until golden, flipping once if needed. Watch them closely as they cook super fast.
- Let Them Dry And Enjoy:
- Lift out cheese bites with a slotted spoon and put them on paper towels to soak up extra oil. Keep cooking the rest in small batches. Serve right away while they're hot and the cheese is still runny.
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The key to amazing cheese bites is coating them three times. I found out after many cheese explosions that proper coating stops leaks. Now my daughter helps with dipping duty, making it our special time to hang out and talk about school while we work.
Extra Crunchy Coating Trick
Want them even crunchier? Try coating them twice. After you've done the whole flour-egg-crumb process, dip them back in the egg mix and then into crumbs again. This builds a thicker shield that keeps cheese inside and makes them super crunchy. Just remember to press the crumbs on firmly but carefully so they stick well.
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Tasty Dipping Options
These cheese bites taste great by themselves, but adding dips makes them even better. Marinara sauce works perfectly, cutting through the richness with its tangy flavor. Ranch dressing brings a cool, creamy element that goes well with the warm bites. For something different, try mixing honey with a bit of hot sauce for a sweet-spicy combo that folks can't stop eating.
Prep Them Early
You can get these ready up to a day before you need them. Do all the coating steps, then lay them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment so they don't touch. Chill them uncovered for 30 minutes to set the coating, then move them to a sealed container with parchment between the layers. When you're ready, fry them straight from the fridge, just add a few more seconds to the cooking time.
Oven-Baked Version
While frying gives you the best cheese bites, you can bake them for a healthier option. Heat your oven to 425°F and put the coated bites on a parchment-covered baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to help them brown. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden, just before the cheese starts to escape. They'll have a different texture but still taste great and create less mess.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Which cheese works best for these fried treats?
String mozzarella is your best bet as it gets super melty inside while keeping a nice soft texture after frying.
- → How can I stop the cheese from oozing out while cooking?
Make sure you've got a good thick layer of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs covering every bit of cheese to block the oil from getting in.
- → Can I cook these in the oven instead?
You can pop them in an oven at 400°F (200°C) on a sheet lined with parchment for around 10-12 minutes until they look golden and crispy.
- → What sauces go well with these cheese bites?
Try them with marinara, ranch, or a spicy mayo for some really tasty combos.
- → What's a good way to add more kick to them?
Mix some cayenne or red pepper flakes into your breadcrumbs before you coat the cheese.