If you’re a fan of crispy, cheesy snacks, these Golden Cheese Crunch Bites will quickly become one of your favorites! With a perfectly crunchy outside and gooey melted cheese inside, these bites are ideal for a snack, party appetizer, or a delicious treat to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prep the cheese balls: Scoop small spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon) of shredded cheese and form them into tight balls. Place the cheese balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes to firm them up.
Set up dredging stations: In one bowl, mix the flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the cheese balls: Roll each cheese ball first in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs. For an extra crunch, I like to repeat the egg and panko step once more.
Cook the cheese bites:
Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cheese bites in batches for about 2-3 minutes, until golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cheese bites on a greased baking sheet and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy.
Serve: I like to serve these warm with a dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for an added punch of flavor.
Servings and Timing
Servings: This recipe makes about 20-25 cheese bites, depending on the size of each bite.
Prep Time: 15 minutes (not including freezing time).
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on frying or baking).
Total Time: About 45 minutes (including freezing time).
Variations
Herbs: I often like to add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the panko breadcrumbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Cheese Variety: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Mozzarella, gouda, or a sharp cheddar can all be great substitutes.
Spicy Version: If I want a little heat, I sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the flour mixture, or add a few chopped jalapeños to the cheese balls before freezing.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store any leftover Golden Cheese Crunch Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: For the best results, I reheat them in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or air fry at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make these cheese bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can freeze the cheese balls before coating them. Once frozen, I store them in a bag or container in the freezer and can cook them later. When ready, just coat and cook as directed.
Can I bake these instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Baking is a great option if I want a lighter version. Just be sure to spray the bites with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
What are some good dipping sauces for these cheese bites?
I love dipping these in marinara, ranch dressing, or spicy aioli. You could also try a sweet chili sauce or a garlic butter sauce for something a little different.
Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
Panko is great for achieving a light, crunchy texture, but if you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers can work as substitutes. The texture might change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Definitely! I’ve used mozzarella for a gooey inside, or even a sharp cheese like gouda for a stronger flavor. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.
Conclusion
Golden Cheese Crunch Bites are a snack I can always rely on to impress. With the crispy exterior and gooey cheese inside, they’re the perfect addition to any party or just a tasty treat for myself. Whether I fry them for extra crispiness or bake them for a lighter touch, they’re always a hit. And with so many ways to customize the flavors, I’ll never get bored of making these golden bites.
📖 Recipe:
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Golden Cheese Crunch Bites
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 20 bites
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, crispy cheese bites with a crunchy panko exterior and a gooey melted cheese center. Perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Scoop small spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon) of shredded cheese and form into tight balls.
- Place on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- In one bowl, place flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
- Roll each cheese ball first in flour, then dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs.
- For extra crunch, repeat the egg and panko step once more.
- Frying: Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry bites in batches until golden and crispy (about 2-3 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place bites on a greased baking sheet, spray tops lightly with cooking spray. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
Notes
Freeze the cheese balls well to prevent melting during cooking.
You can add chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the breadcrumb mix for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (frying) or 12 minutes (baking)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
