Description
These Crispy Fried Manchego Cheese Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring bite-sized cubes of Manchego cheese coated in seasoned flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, then fried to golden perfection. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these cheese bites make an irresistible snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 ounces Manchego Cheese (Cut into bite-sized cubes)
Coating
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Mixed with salt and pepper)
- 2 large Eggs (Whisked for egg wash)
- 1 cup Seasoned Breadcrumbs (For coating the cheese)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (For seasoning flour and breadcrumbs)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Frying
- 2 inches Oil for Frying (Vegetable or canola oil, heated to 350°F)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese: Cut the Manchego cheese into bite-sized cubes, about 1 inch each, ensuring even sizes for uniform cooking.
- Set up breading station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with the seasoned flour (all-purpose flour mixed with salt and black pepper), one with the whisked eggs for egg wash, and one with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Bread the cheese cubes: First coat each Manchego cube in the seasoned flour, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs to ensure a complete, even coating.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a deep frying pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C), the optimal temperature for frying to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- Fry the cheese bites: Fry the breaded Manchego cubes in small batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried cheese bites using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays around 350°F for perfect frying results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture before the cheese softens.
- You can experiment with dipping sauces like spicy aioli or marinara sauce for added flavor.
- Use fresh Manchego cheese for the best taste and melting properties.
