Description
Crunchy, cheesy, and tangy pickle cheese bites with a melty cheese center, ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect as a quick snack or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 dill pickle spears
- 8 oz (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or block
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups (100g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil (canola or sunflower) for frying
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the pickles into bite-sized pieces about 2 inches long. Cut cheddar cheese into slices roughly the same size as the pickles.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep frying pan over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
- Take one pickle piece and one slice of cheese, sandwich them together. Optionally secure with a toothpick.
- Coat each pickle-cheese combo in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Carefully place the bites into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy and cheese is melted inside.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip and remove bites. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces such as spicy ranch, garlic aioli, or ketchup.
Notes
Keep oil temperature around 350°F to avoid greasy or burnt bites. Drain bites on paper towels or wire rack to keep crispy. For a lighter version, bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Assemble and bread bites up to 2 hours ahead but do not bread too early to avoid sogginess. Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes on a wire rack to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6 bite
- Calories: 360
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 14
Keywords: crispy pickle cheese bites, cheesy snack, fried pickles, melty cheese bites, quick snack, appetizer, party food