Description

Golden Cheese Crunch Bites are crispy, bite-sized snacks made from sharp cheddar cheese combined with flour and spices, coated in breadcrumbs, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect as a savory appetizer or party treat, these cheesy bites deliver a satisfying crunch and rich flavor in every mouthful.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely grated
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or rice flour for gluten-free)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional: chili powder or cayenne pepper for heat
Optional: fresh or dried parsley, oregano, or thyme

Coating and Cooking

2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
2 tbsp butter

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Grate the sharp cheddar cheese finely and combine it with flour and your choice of spices (garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and optional herbs or chili powder) in a mixing bowl to form the base mixture that will hold the bites together.
Shape the Bites: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Using your hands, form small, bite-sized balls from the cheese mixture. Then, dip each ball thoroughly into the beaten eggs to ensure an even coating for the breadcrumb layer.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: Roll each egg-coated cheese ball in breadcrumbs until they are evenly covered, creating a crunchy outer crust once cooked.
Cook Until Golden: Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated bites carefully and cook, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. This process should take about 3-5 minutes per side to achieve that perfect crunch and melted cheesy interior.
Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked bites from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess butter or oil. Serve warm for the best taste and crispiness, making a delightful appetizer or snack.

Notes

You can substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions to make this recipe gluten-free.
Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture if you prefer a spicy kick.
Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme add an aromatic flavor boost but can be omitted if unavailable.
Ensure the heat is medium to avoid burning the breadcrumbs while allowing the cheese inside to melt properly.
Serve immediately to enjoy the crunchiest texture; these bites lose some crispiness when cooled.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheese bites, crispy cheese snacks, appetizer, cheddar cheese recipe, fried cheese balls, party snacks