Golden Fried Cheese Bites (Print Version)

Twice-breaded cheesy bites fried till perfectly golden, served up with creamy and zesty dips.

# Ingredients:

→ Mozzarella Cubes

01 - A bunch of mozzarella cheese (about 450g), chopped up into bite-sized cubes
02 - Some beaten eggs (2 large)
03 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
04 - All-purpose flour, about 120g
05 - Whole milk, 60ml
06 - 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
07 - 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - A handful of panko breadcrumbs (60g)
09 - Deep frying oil like canola or vegetable oil, somewhere between 480 and 720ml

→ Creamy Dip

10 - Small tub mayo (120g)
11 - Dash of salt to taste
12 - A squeeze of lemon juice, about a tablespoon
13 - Sour cream, 60g
14 - Some black pepper, freshly cracked, whatever tastes good to you
15 - One garlic clove, squashed or minced up
16 - Handful of parsley, finely chopped (1 tablespoon)

→ Serving Accompaniments

17 - Jar of marinara sauce, 425g, heated up and ready
18 - Sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (totally up to you)
19 - Chopped parsley for a little color (if you want it)

# Steps:

01 - Pour enough oil in your deep pan so it'll cover the cheese cubes while frying (around 5cm deep). Start heating it slowly to 177°C. Also, go ahead and warm up the marinara sauce. Use a little pot on low or pop it in the microwave until bubbling.
02 - While cheese cubes are chilling in the freezer, toss mayo, sour cream, parsley, lemon juice, and that minced-up garlic into a bowl. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper till you like how it tastes. Cover and chill it until game time.
03 - Lift those golden cheese bites out with your slotted spoon. Lay them down on paper towels so they’re not greasy. While they're hot, add a touch more salt if you feel like it.
04 - Start by dunking each cheese cube in the egg and milk bowl. Next, give them a solid roll around in the flour-panko-spice mix and press them so the coating sticks. Want an extra crunchy outside? Just repeat egg and crumb steps once more. Line the coated cubes on a baking sheet covered in parchment.
05 - Line up your hot fried mozzarella cubes on a plate. Dunk with that creamy dip and the warm marinara. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley or Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Eat right away!
06 - Pop the coated cheese on your lined baking sheet right in the freezer. Leave them there for about 15 to 20 minutes. They need a solid chill so they don't just melt when you fry them.
07 - Grab the frozen cubes and fry a bunch at a time, but don’t cram the pan. Drop them into hot oil and cook for 2 or 3 minutes, giving them a turn now and then so they go crispy and golden all over.
08 - In one bowl, toss together flour, panko, garlic powder, some salt, and pepper. In another, whisk together eggs and milk. Set both close so you can dip and coat in a row.

# Notes:

01 - Freezing your coated cheese before frying will help the insides go nice and gooey without losing their square shape.
02 - Eat these right after frying for the crispiest bite and that warm, stretchy cheese center.
03 - If you want skinnier sticks, just grab string cheese and cut it in half for a classic look.

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