These Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites are golden, crunchy on the outside, and irresistibly gooey on the inside. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or party platter, they come together quickly and satisfy every cheesy craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these mozzarella bites turn into bite-sized bursts of cheesy delight with a perfectly crisp coating. They remind me of restaurant-style appetizers but are even better homemade. Whether I’m making them for a game day snack or a quick indulgence, they always disappear fast. The recipe is super simple, and I can prep them ahead and freeze for later, which makes life easier.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Mozzarella cheese (block or string cheese, cut into bite-size pieces)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola works best)
directions
- I start by cutting the mozzarella into bite-sized cubes, around 1-inch pieces.
- In three separate bowls, I prepare a breading station: flour in the first, beaten eggs with a splash of milk in the second, and a mix of Italian and panko breadcrumbs with seasoning in the third.
- I dip each mozzarella cube in the flour, then into the egg wash, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat fully.
- For extra crunch, I double-dip each piece by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- I place the coated bites on a tray and freeze them for at least 30 minutes so they don’t melt too fast while frying.
- I heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C) and fry the cheese bites in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
- Once done, I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and serve hot with marinara or ranch dip.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 24 cheese bites and serves 4–6 people as an appetizer.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Freeze time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
When I want to mix things up, I use pepper jack or cheddar instead of mozzarella. I’ve also added a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick. For a healthier twist, I sometimes air-fry them at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, turning halfway through until crispy.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore that crispy texture. I avoid microwaving them since it makes the coating soggy. If I make a big batch, I freeze uncooked breaded bites and fry them straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cook time.
FAQs
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out during frying?
I always make sure to freeze the bites before frying and double-coat them in breadcrumbs. That extra layer helps prevent melting cheese from escaping.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, I bake them at 425°F on a greased baking sheet for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. They don’t get as crispy but are still delicious.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Low-moisture mozzarella sticks work best because they melt slowly and hold their shape. Fresh mozzarella is too wet and tends to ooze out.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. I bread them and freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to a bag once solid. They stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What can I serve with mozzarella bites?
I usually serve them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy aioli for dipping. They also pair well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
Conclusion
These Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites are a cheesy, crunchy treat that’s always a hit. I love making them for gatherings or just when I’m craving something comforting and flavorful. They’re easy to prep, fun to eat, and endlessly customizable. Once I started making these at home, I stopped ordering them out!
Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Freeze Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cheese bites (serves 4–6)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Fried (with air fryer and baked alternatives)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden, and irresistibly cheesy, these Mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites are the ultimate homemade appetizer. Easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for parties or game day, they’re a restaurant-style favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese (block or string cheese, cut into bite-size pieces)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Italian-style breadcrumbs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Dried oregano
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella into 1-inch bite-sized cubes.
- Prepare three bowls: flour in the first; beaten eggs with milk in the second; breadcrumbs, panko, and seasonings in the third.
- Dip cheese cubes in flour, then egg wash, then breadcrumb mixture.
- Repeat egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
- Place coated bites on a tray and freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry cheese bites in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.
- Air-fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes for a lighter option.
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess melting.
- Freeze uncooked breaded bites for later frying.
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