Gooey, golden and oh-so-poppable fried cheese bites! These mini mozzarella bites are just 6 ingredients + delicious dunked in warm marinara sauce. So easy to make and addictive for after school snacking, game days, and cozy weekends in. Ready in 15 minutes!

Easy Fried Cheese Bites

Name: Easy Fried Cheese Bites
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 35
Ingredients: 12 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1-1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 cup flour; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying; 1 cup marinara sauce

Last weekend, my loyalty to melty mozzarella sticks was taken to new heights at the local fair. 🎡

Let’s just say, it was love at first bite into the quarter-pound of melty, gooey, crispy fried cheese on a stick – which I reluctantly shared with my human love. But, really, nothing can come between me and cheese. It’s the honest truth. I was seeing stars after that ethereal experience . . . I’m pretty sure he was right beside me, but I must have blacked out.

That glorious fair food cheese stick got me thinking how I need to share these melty mozzarella Fried Cheese Bites with you! There hasn’t been a more addictive, toasty hot little snack to come out of my kitchen EVER. We are obsessed with these mini mozzarella sticks dunked in warm marinara sauce. So much that they nearly didn’t make it in front of the camera.

These little cheese bites are absolutely outrageous! Full of all the comforting, creamy flavor you love in a mozzarella stick, with that perfect cheese pull, but a quarter of the size. All you need are six ingredients and 15 minutes to hot ‘n crispy heaven.

Sound good? Let me show you the easy steps and let’s get cooking!

Ready to create your own Easy Fried Cheese Bites?

• In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Set aside.

• In a separate bowl, add flour. In another separate bowl, add bread crumbs.

• Dip one chopped string cheese bite in flour, then into egg mixture. Shake off excess egg. Roll cheese bite around in bread crumbs, coating evenly. Repeat with remaining cheese bites. Place on a large sheet pan or plate. Dip each piece again in egg, then in breadcrumbs. Freeze until coating is set, 20-30 minutes.

• In a medium skillet, heat your vegetable oil (about 2 inches high) to low heat. Line a large sheet pan or plate with paper towels.

• Flick a bit of flour into the oil. If it begins to sizzle and fry golden brown, the oil is ready.

• Carefully drop 5-6 pieces into oil. Make sure to separate bites, so that they don’t stick together! Watch closely, flipping once. Fry until golden brown, about 30 seconds.

• Using a slotted spoon, remove bites from oil and place on paper towels. Repeat with remaining bites.

• Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce, if desired.

Keep reading for full ingredient list + recipe, below

Looking for more fair food style recipes? Try these!

• 3-Ingredient Beignet Bites

• Foolproof Crispy Onion Rings

• Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders

• Glazed Apple Pie Fritters

• County Fair Fried Dough

• Beer Battered Fish and Chips

• Buttermilk Fried Pickles + Red Hot Ranch

• Cheesy Bacon Oven Chips with Chipotle Ranch Dipping Sauce

• 3-Ingredient Crescent Hot Dog Rollups

• Easy Mexican Fried Ice Cream

• Crispy Oven-Baked Potato Fries

• Cheesy Loaded Nacho Tater Tots

While I wish I had an air-fried version for you, I’m an old fashioned “oil in a pot” girl at heart. Really, nothing beats it for getting your cheese gooey, golden and melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

Never fried before? You don’t need any crazy equipment or skills, so don’t be afraid. Just flick a bit of flour into your hot oil. If it sizzles slowly, you’re ready. I find it best to drop in ONE coated cheese bite first, just to see what oil temp and timing works best. Keep your heat low for the oil, take your time, and you’ll be good to go!

I hope you try this recipe, and love it like we do! Please leave a comment and a star rating, if you try it out.