Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 small cubes or short sticks
- 2 cups nacho cheese tortilla chips, finely crushed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce or ranch dressing, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep skillet to 350°F. Line a plate with paper towels or set out a wire rack.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the beaten eggs in a second bowl and the finely crushed tortilla chips in a third bowl.
- If needed, chill or freeze the cheese pieces for 15 to 20 minutes so they stay firm during frying.
- Coat each piece of cheese in the seasoned flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly in the crushed chips.
- For a thicker crust, repeat the egg and crushed chip coating one more time.
- Fry the coated cheese pieces in small batches for 1 to 2 minutes, until deep golden and crisp.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on the prepared plate or rack.
- Serve warm with marinara sauce or ranch dressing, if desired.
Notes
- Freeze the cheese briefly before breading for easier handling and less leakage.
- Double coating helps keep the cheese inside while frying.
- Do not overcrowd the pan, or the oil temperature will drop.
- These are best served hot for the ultimate crunchy coating and melty center.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: fried cheese stuffed dorito, cheese bites, fried cheese snack, crunchy appetizer, mozzarella bites, party snack