Spicy Cornstarch Fried Cheese Bites
Spicy Cornstarch Fried Cheese Bites
Ingredients
For the Cheese Bites
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil, or enough to fill pan with 1 1/2 inches
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cornstarch, large egg, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture can be easily formed.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
Roll the cheese mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Place the formed cheese balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of the cheese mixture into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 350
- 4
Carefully place the cheese balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy bites. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per batch, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 350
- 5
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried cheese bites from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while hot, perhaps with a cooling dip like ranch or a spicy aioli.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Spicy Cornstarch Fried Cheese Bites
Ingredients
For the Cheese Bites
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For Frying
- 2 cups vegetable oil, or enough to fill pan with 1 1/2 inches
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cornstarch, large egg, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with your hands or a sturdy spoon until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture can be easily formed.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
Roll the cheese mixture into approximately 1-inch balls. Place the formed cheese balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a tiny piece of the cheese mixture into it; it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 350 - 4
Carefully place the cheese balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy bites. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per batch, turning occasionally with a slotted spoon, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 350 - 5
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried cheese bites from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately while hot, perhaps with a cooling dip like ranch or a spicy aioli.
⏱️ 5 min