Smoky Cheese Bites
Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible Smoky Cheese Bites—a perfect blend of sharp cheddar, smoky paprika, and buttery richness, all wrapped in a crisp panko crust! These bite-sized snacks are quick to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish, and are fried to golden perfection for the ultimate crunch. The dough is infused with bold flavors, refrigerated for easy handling, and coated with seasoned breadcrumbs to add a deliciously savory layer. Serve these melty, smoky delights warm, paired with your favorite dipping sauce—think marinara, ranch, or smoky aioli—for an unforgettable snack or party appetizer. Easy, cheesy, and indulgent, these Smoky Cheese Bites will be the star of any gathering!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Cheddar cheese (sharp, shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (cold, diced)
- 1 whole Egg (large)
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, all-purpose flour, and diced cold butter.
Using your hands or a pastry blender, work the mixture together until it forms a crumbly dough.
Incorporate the egg into the mixture and knead gently until a cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to firm up.
In a shallow bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
Roll each cheese ball in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized skillet or deep fryer over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry the coated cheese bites in small batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or a smoky aioli.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1472 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 145.7 g | 187% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.8 g | 169% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 123 mg | 41% | |
| Sodium | 752 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 35.9 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.6 g | 6% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.3 g | ||
| Protein | 16.9 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 334 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 132 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
