Description
Crispy Jalapeño Cheese Bites are golden-fried snacks with a gooey, cheesy center and a spicy kick. Perfect for parties, game days, or a quick appetizer, these bites combine the best of jalapeño poppers and mozzarella sticks into one irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups Pepper Jack cheese, shredded
- 2–3 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Oil for frying (vegetable, canola, peanut, or avocado)
Instructions
- Mix the cheese and jalapeños: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and diced jalapeños until well mixed. The cheese should hold together when pressed.
- Shape and freeze: Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 ½ inches in diameter. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze for 30–60 minutes. This step prevents the cheese from melting too quickly when frying.
- Prepare the oil: Pour oil into a deep pot and heat to 350°F. Use a thermometer to ensure the correct temperature, as oil that is too hot will burn the bites, while oil that is too cool will make them greasy.
- Set up the breading station: In three separate bowls, place flour in the first bowl, whisked egg and milk in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne, paprika, and garlic powder in the third.
- Coat the cheese bites: Roll each frozen cheese ball in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it in seasoned breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
- Fry in batches: Carefully place a few cheese bites into the hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and affect crispiness.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Freezing is essential to prevent the cheese from oozing out during frying.
- If frying multiple batches, allow the oil to return to 350°F between batches.
- For a milder flavor, use Monterey Jack cheese and remove all jalapeño seeds.
- To reheat, bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes or air-fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 bites
- Calories: 258 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg