Crispy Gourmet Cheese Bites
Indulge in these Crispy Gourmet Cheese Bites, a delightful twist on classic deep-fried cheese squares that are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy treat. This recipe features a rich blend of Gruyère and Emmental cheeses, enveloped in a creamy filling and coated in a crispy breadcrumb shell. Whether served as an elegant appetizer at a dinner party or as a fun snack during movie night, these bites are guaranteed to impress cheese lovers and foodies alike. The combination of texture and flavor will leave everyone coming back for more!
N/A
Servings
167
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted Butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
All-Purpose Flour
1 1/4 cups (divided (3/4 cup for the mixture and 1/2 cup for dredging))
Milk
1 1/2 cups (added gradually to the mixture)
Egg Yolks
3 (beaten)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
White Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Gruyère Cheese
1 cup (freshly grated)
Emmental Cheese
1 cup (freshly grated)
Eggs
2 (beaten with 1/3 cup of milk for egg wash)
Dried Breadcrumbs
1 cup (for coating)
Vegetable Oil
for deep frying (heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit)
Instructions
1
In a heavy 3 to 4-quart saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts and the foaming subsides, stir in 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour until well combined.
2
Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Lower the heat and simmer for an additional 10 minutes, whisking frequently to achieve a smooth consistency.
3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and beat in the egg yolks one at a time using a wooden spoon. Season the mixture with salt and white pepper, then fold in the freshly grated Gruyère and Emmental cheeses until evenly incorporated.
4
Transfer the cheese mixture into a greased 8 by 6-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer about 1/2-inch thick. Smooth the top with a spatula and allow it to cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up.
5
Once chilled, use a pastry wheel or sharp knife to cut the mixture into 2-inch squares. Place the squares onto a sheet of waxed paper. Dredge each square in the remaining 1/2 cup of flour, shaking off any excess flour.
6
Dip the floured squares into the egg wash (beaten eggs mixed with 1/3 cup milk), then coat thoroughly in dried breadcrumbs. Gently pat each square with a spatula to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Arrange the coated squares on a baking sheet and refrigerate for another hour to further set the coating.
7
While chilling the squares, heat 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting and line a baking dish with paper towels.
8
Carefully deep-fry the cheese squares in batches, 3 to 4 at a time, for about 5 minutes per batch, turning them occasionally with a slotted spoon until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. As they are done, transfer the bites to the prepared baking dish in the oven to keep warm while frying the remaining batches.
9
Serve the Crispy Gourmet Cheese Bites immediately, pairing them with your favorite dipping sauces or simply enjoy them on their own as a delightful snack!
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
10g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Gourmet Cheese Bites?
Crispy Gourmet Cheese Bites are a gourmet twist on deep-fried cheese squares featuring a blend of Gruyère and Emmental cheeses with a crispy breadcrumb coating.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of one cup of freshly grated Gruyère cheese and one cup of freshly grated Emmental cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of these cheese bites?
Each serving contains approximately 167 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 11 grams of fat.
How much protein is provided in each serving?
There are 7 grams of protein per serving of Crispy Gourmet Cheese Bites.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 10 grams of carbohydrates.
How much butter is required for the cheese mixture?
You will need 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
How much flour is used throughout the recipe?
A total of 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour is used: 3/4 cup for the cheese mixture and 1/2 cup for dredging the squares.
What is the recommended frying temperature?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit for deep frying.
How long should the cheese mixture be refrigerated?
The mixture should be refrigerated for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up before cutting.
What are the ingredients for the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of 2 beaten eggs mixed with 1/3 cup of milk.
How thick should the cheese mixture be when spread in the dish?
The mixture should be spread into an even layer about 1/2-inch thick in an 8 by 6-inch baking dish.
What size should the cheese bites be cut into?
Once chilled, the mixture should be cut into 2-inch squares using a pastry wheel or sharp knife.
How long should the coated squares rest before frying?
After coating in breadcrumbs, the squares should be refrigerated for one hour to set the coating.
What seasonings are used in the cheese mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
How many egg yolks are added to the cooked base?
Three beaten egg yolks are beaten into the mixture one at a time after it is removed from the heat.
How long do the cheese bites need to fry?
The cheese squares should be fried in batches for about 5 minutes per batch until golden brown.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 11 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
How do you prevent lumps when adding milk to the butter and flour?
Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
How should the bites be kept warm?
Place the finished bites in a paper towel-lined baking dish in an oven set to its lowest temperature setting.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter, but if using salted, you may want to reduce the additional teaspoon of salt.
What tags define this recipe's style?
This recipe is tagged as deep fried, gourmet, comfort food, and a cheese appetizer.
What is the best way to serve these cheese bites?
Serve them immediately while warm, optionally paired with your favorite dipping sauces.
What type of saucepan is recommended for the base?
A heavy 3 to 4-quart saucepan is recommended for melting the butter and cooking the mixture.
What type of breadcrumbs are used for the coating?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dried breadcrumbs for the final coating layer.
What is the purpose of the 10-minute simmer?
Simmering the milk and flour mixture for 10 minutes allows it to thicken and achieve a smooth consistency.
Should the cheese be pre-shredded or freshly grated?
The recipe specifies using freshly grated Gruyère and Emmental for the best results.
Is white pepper required?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper is used for seasoning the cheese mixture.
How many squares are fried at a time?
It is recommended to deep-fry the cheese squares in batches of 3 to 4 at a time.
What kind of oil should be used?
Vegetable oil is recommended for deep frying the cheese bites.