Description
Crispy Cheese Bites with Creamy Drizzle are deliciously crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, perfect for a snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 250 g (9 oz) mozzarella or cheddar cheese (cut into cubes) or leftover mashed potatoes (for croquettes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or cornmeal for extra crunch)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce or sriracha
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cubes: Cut cheese into bite-sized cubes (or shape chilled mashed potatoes into balls). Pat dry with paper towels if using cheese (to avoid splattering when frying).
- Coat the Bites: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and seasoned breadcrumbs in a third. Dredge cubes in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating once more.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat oil to 175°C (350°F). Fry cubes in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce: Mix mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, hot sauce, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Serve: Arrange bites on a platter, drizzle sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh chives. Serve immediately while hot and melty inside.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use mashed potatoes instead of cheese.
- Adjust the level of hot sauce in the sauce according to your spice preference.
- These bites are best served fresh but can be reheated in an oven to regain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 bites
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg