Description
These Cheesy Parmesan Mozzarella Bites are crispy, golden, and packed with gooey cheese inside. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, they combine mozzarella and Parmesan cheese coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs. You can either fry or bake them for a delightful cheesy treat that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Breading Station
- 2 large eggs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley (optional), finely chopped
Cooking
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Mix the cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until evenly distributed to form the cheese mixture.
- Set up your breading station: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second, place the panko breadcrumbs. If using parsley, finely chop it and mix it into the breadcrumbs to add freshness.
- Form the bites: Take small portions of the cheese mixture and roll them into compact balls. Dip each ball in the whisked eggs, then coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Chill: Arrange the breaded bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
- Cook the bites: You have two options:
- Frying: Heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the bites in batches for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Baking: Alternatively, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the bites for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Enjoy: Let the bites cool briefly after cooking, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious cheesy appetizer.
Notes
- Adding fresh parsley to the breadcrumbs adds a lovely herbaceous note and color.
- You can customize the types of cheese, but mozzarella and Parmesan create the best melty and savory combo.
- Chilling the bites before cooking helps keep their shape and prevents cheese from oozing out.
- If frying, carefully monitor the oil temperature to avoid undercooking or burning.
- These bites pair excellently with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli dips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Cheesy bites, mozzarella, Parmesan, appetizer, panko breadcrumbs, snacks, fried cheese, baked cheese bites
