Frying Cheese: Best Varieties For The Perfect Melt And Crisp

Frying cheese is a great way to add extra calories and a crispy texture to your dish. While mozzarella is a popular choice, there are many other types of cheese that can be fried. For example, halloumi, a semi-hard, salty cheese with a high melting point, is perfect for frying and can be served as an appetizer or topped with honey and chilli flakes. Queso blanco, a salty Dominican cheese with a high melting point, is another great option for frying. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try frying goat cheese, camembert, gouda, or feta cheese.

Goat cheese

Frying goat cheese is a quick and effective way to add extra flavour and texture to your recipes.

Pan-frying goat cheese brings out its flavours and provides a crispy exterior. This method is ideal for adding a nutty flavour and texture to various dishes.

• Cut the goat cheese into equal slices to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking or undercooking.
• Add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a drizzle of honey to enhance the flavour.
• Use a pan over medium-high heat with a little oil or butter to prevent sticking.
• Fry the goat cheese until it has a golden brown exterior and a soft, melting interior. A few minutes on each side is usually enough.

Recipes with fried goat cheese:

Fried goat cheese can be used in various dishes, such as:

• Salads: Combine it with mixed salad leaves, nuts, and a vinaigrette for a delicious lunch or side dish.
• Appetizers: Serve it with marinara sauce, crackers, or a charcuterie board.
• Main dishes: Include it in pasta recipes or alongside a simple side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Halloumi

To fry halloumi, use a non-stick pan and heat a little olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Cut the halloumi into thick slices or sticks and place them in a single layer in the pan. Cook each side for 1-2 minutes, until a golden brown crust forms. Serve immediately with a drizzle of honey, or with fruit, for a sweet and salty combination.

Feta

To fry feta, you will need to create a dredging station. First, crack and beat an egg in a shallow bowl. Then, in a separate shallow bowl, add some flour. Finally, add Panko bread crumbs or sesame seeds to a third shallow bowl. You can also add some red pepper flakes to the bread crumbs for a subtle heat. Next, cut a block of feta into 1/2-inch thick slices. Dredge the feta slices in the flour, making sure all sides are covered, then dip them into the egg mixture and finally into the bread crumbs or sesame seeds.

Now you are ready to fry the feta. Add enough olive oil to a skillet to cover the bottom of the pan and heat on medium-high until shimmering. Place the coated feta slices into the skillet, making sure each slice touches the hot bottom of the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the fried feta to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.

Mozzarella

To fry mozzarella, a simple breading technique is used. The cheese is dipped in flour, egg, and then seasoned crumbs, which can be anything from panko breadcrumbs to plain old breadcrumbs, or even a crunchy cereal like plain Special K. A deep fryer is recommended to control the temperature of the oil, which should be sunflower oil or another vegetable oil with a high smoke point. Frying at 350°F for around 1-2 minutes will give you golden brown and crispy fried mozzarella.

Gouda

Frying cheese is a great way to add a crispy texture and golden colour to the outside, while keeping a gooey, melty inside. When frying cheese, it is important to use a cheese with a high melting point, such as gouda, to prevent the cheese from melting entirely.

To fry gouda, it is recommended to use a thick batter or a double-layer panade crust to provide structural integrity and prevent the cheese from melting into the oil. Alternatively, gouda can be grilled by frying it in a cast-iron pan on the cooler part of the grill and flipping it over a few times.

• Cut the gouda into wedges or slices, about 1/2 inch thick.
• Prepare two bowls, one with cool tap water and the other with flour.
• Dip each piece of cheese into the water, then dredge it in flour, coating all sides.
• Shake off any excess flour.
• Add oil to a small frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cheese slices into the pan.
• Fry for a couple of minutes on each side, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
• Remove the cheese from the pan and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions