Crispy Honey-Drizzled Manchego Bites
Indulge in a delightful twist on cheese snacks with these Crispy Honey-Drizzled Manchego Bites. This recipe features exquisite Manchego cheese, which is coated in a light, crispy crust and fried to golden perfection. Each bite is a luscious blend of savory cheese and sweet honey, beautifully enhanced by a hint of smokiness from paprika. Perfect as an appetizer at parties, or as an irresistible treat for cheese lovers, this recipe is sure to impress and become a crowd favorite. Follow this simple method from culinary expert Chuck Hughes of the Cooking Channel for a gourmet experience right in your kitchen!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 cup (none)
egg
1 (lightly beaten)
panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (none)
manchego cheese
1/2 lb (cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes)
canola oil
as needed (for frying)
honey
to taste (for drizzling)
smoked paprika
to taste (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
Prepare three separate dishes: one with all-purpose flour, a second with the lightly beaten egg, and a third with panko breadcrumbs.
2
Start by dredging each Manchego cheese cube in the flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
3
Next, dip the floured cheese into the beaten egg, making sure it is completely submerged for an even coating.
4
Finally, roll the egg-coated cheese in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough coating.
5
Preheat the canola oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed saucepan to 375°F (190°C). If using a saucepan, fill it about one-third full with oil and carefully monitor the temperature with a deep-frying thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a cube of bread in; it should brown in about 3 minutes.
6
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded cheese cubes in small batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and crisp, about 2-4 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
7
Remove the fried Manchego bites from the oil using a slotted spoon, and place them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb any excess oil.
8
Transfer the crispy cheese bites to a serving platter, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle lightly with smoked paprika before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main cheese used in this recipe?
The main cheese used in this recipe is Manchego cheese.
How should the Manchego cheese be prepared?
The Manchego cheese should be cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
What are the three coating layers for the cheese?
The three coating layers are all-purpose flour, a lightly beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
What is the ideal oil temperature for frying?
The canola oil should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long should I fry the Manchego bites?
Fry the bites for about 2-4 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp.
What can I use to test the oil temperature without a thermometer?
You can drop a cube of bread into the oil; it should brown in about 3 minutes if the oil is ready.
What are the final toppings for these bites?
The bites are finished with a drizzle of honey and a light sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Who created this recipe?
This recipe is from culinary expert Chuck Hughes of the Cooking Channel.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Canola oil is recommended for frying these cheese bites.
Should I shake off excess flour after dredging?
Yes, you should shake off any excess flour to ensure a proper coating.
What is the first step in the breading process?
The first step is dredging each cheese cube in all-purpose flour.
Why should I place the fried bites on a paper towel?
Placing them on a paper towel-lined baking sheet helps to absorb any excess oil.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe calls for panko breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a luscious blend of savory cheese and sweet honey with a hint of smokiness.
How much Manchego cheese do I need?
You will need 1/2 lb of Manchego cheese.
Can I use a regular saucepan for frying?
Yes, you can use a large heavy-bottomed saucepan filled about one-third full with oil.
What is the preparation for the egg?
The egg should be lightly beaten.
Is the paprika used sweet or smoky?
The recipe specifically calls for smoked paprika.
What tool should I use to remove the bites from the oil?
A slotted spoon is recommended for removing the bites from the hot oil.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
Should I fry all the bites at once?
No, you should fry them in small batches to ensure even cooking.
What is the texture of the finished product?
The bites have a light, crispy crust and a melted, savory cheese center.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, it is described as a perfect appetizer for parties or a crowd favorite.
What should I do after dipping the cheese in the egg?
After the egg wash, roll the cheese in panko breadcrumbs and press gently to coat.
How much panko breadcrumbs are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Cheese.
What is the recommended size for the cheese cubes?
The cubes should be cut to approximately 1 1/2 inches.
Should the honey be added before or after frying?
Honey should be drizzled over the bites after they have been fried and plated.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients in total for this recipe.