Crispy Fried Cheese Bites with Raspberry Sauce

Ingredients

For the Cheese Bites

• 250g mozzarella cheese (cut into 1-inch cubes)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crisp)

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Oil for frying

For the Raspberry Sauce

• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries

• 2 tbsp sugar (more if you want sweeter)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional for thickness)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Bites

1. Pat cheese cubes dry with a paper towel (important for crispiness).

2. Set up breading station:

   • Bowl 1: Flour

   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs

   • Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt & pepper

3. Dip each cheese cube into flour → egg → breadcrumbs.

4. For extra crunch, repeat egg → breadcrumbs (double coat).

5. Freeze the coated cheese cubes for 20–30 minutes (prevents cheese from melting out).

2. Fry the Cheese

1. Heat oil to 350°F / 180°C.

2. Fry cheese bites in batches for 30–45 seconds until golden and crispy.

3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Raspberry Sauce

1. In a small pan, add raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice.

2. Cook over medium heat until berries break down (3–4 minutes).

3. Add cornstarch slurry if you want thicker sauce.

4. Simmer 1 more minute, then remove from heat.

5. Strain seeds if you prefer a smooth sauce.

4. Serve

Serve crispy hot cheese bites with warm raspberry sauce for dipping.
Perfect snack, appetizer, or party dish!

Q&A

Q: Which cheese works best if I don’t have mozzarella?

A: Halloumi, cheddar, gouda, or string cheese sticks cut into cubes work great.

Q: Can I air-fry them?

A: Yes! Spray with oil and air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for 6–7 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: Why do my cheese bites leak in the oil?

A:

• Didn’t freeze long enough

• Coating was thin or had gaps

• Oil wasn’t hot enough

Q: Can I make the sauce spicy?

A: Add 1 chopped red chili or a pinch of chili flakes for sweet–spicy flavor.

Q: How to store leftovers?

A:

• Freeze before frying (best).

• After frying, store in fridge for 24 hours and reheat in air fryer to crisp.