4-Ingredient Pan-Fried Cheese Skewers: the Recipe for a Quick Snack You Won’t be Able to Live Without

Pan-Fried Cheese Skewers are a delicious and easy to prepare appetizer, also ideal as a finger food for an aperitif, for a brunch or just as a snack. To make them, we cut the brie cheese into triangles, which will then be skewered, breaded with flour, eggs, breadcrumbs and fried until golden. In a very short time you will create a tasty and stringy dish that will win over your guests.

What is Fried Cheese?

Fried cheese is a delightful indulgence with a rich history, often traced back to medieval European taverns where cheese was commonly fried as a quick and satisfying dish. This recipe transforms brie—a creamy, mild cheese—into an irresistible treat by cutting it into triangles, skewering them, and then double-coating them in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs before frying to golden perfection. These Pan-Fried Cheese Skewers offer a modern twist on traditional fried cheese, presenting a convenient way to enjoy the gooey richness with a crispy exterior. They are perfect for serving at parties or as a decadent snack during movie nights, appealing especially to cheese lovers and those who appreciate a gourmet touch to simple ingredients.

Tips for the Best Fried Cheese Skewers

• Brie is an excellent choice for its creamy texture and mild flavor, but it's crucial to select a firm brie to ensure it holds up well during frying. Avoid overly ripe brie, which may melt too quickly and lose shape.
• Before you begin the coating process, consider freezing the cheese skewers for about 30 minutes. This step helps maintain the shape of the cheese during frying and ensures that it doesn't melt too fast.
• For an extra crispy crust, double dip the skewers in the egg wash and breadcrumbs. This creates a thicker barrier that keeps the cheese from leaking out and adds a nice crunch.
• Heat the oil to the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the cheese is warm inside; too cool, and the brie will absorb too much oil and become greasy. Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature.
• Fry the skewers in batches to avoid lowering the temperature of the oil too much, which can lead to soggy results. Keeping the oil temperature consistent is key to a crispy finish.
• After frying, place the skewers on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This helps keep them crisp rather than soggy.
• Fried cheese skewers are best enjoyed warm, right after cooking, when the brie is deliciously gooey and the coating is at its crispiest.

What Are The Best Types of Cheese to Fry?

When selecting cheeses for frying, it's essential to consider their melting points and moisture contents to ensure they not only maintain their shape during cooking but also offer a satisfyingly gooey interior. Ideal candidates include halloumi, known for its high melting point and chewy texture, making it perfect for retaining form when fried. Mozzarella, a classic choice, provides a stretchy, luscious melt, while provolone offers a balance between firmness and meltability, ideal for a structured yet creamy bite. Paneer, a non-melting cheese, remains firm on the outside while soft inside, absorbing flavors beautifully. Brie, with its creamy texture, creates a rich, luxurious melt when breaded and fried. Aged cheddar and smoked or aged Gouda are also excellent choices, each bringing a unique depth of flavor and a pleasing texture that becomes delightfully gooey when heated. These varieties cater to diverse preferences, whether you're aiming for a cheese that holds its shape or one that transforms into a soft, stretchy delight.

In This the Same as Cheese Sticks?

Brie cheese skewers and traditional cheese sticks share similarities in that both are delicious, fried cheese-based snacks that provide a crispy outer coating with a gooey, melted interior. However, they differ notably in several aspects. Traditional cheese sticks typically utilize mozzarella, known for its stringy, stretchy texture upon melting, whereas brie offers a creamier and richer flavor profile, changing the overall taste and experience. Furthermore, cheese sticks are usually formed into long, rectangular shapes ideal for dipping, while brie skewers consist of cheese cut into triangles, threaded onto wooden sticks, making for an elegant presentation that's perfect for more formal occasions. Also, while both snacks involve a breadcrumb coating, the brie skewers recipe includes a double dip in egg wash and breadcrumbs, ensuring an extra crispy finish. The skewer format not only allows for easy handling but also elevates the aesthetic, contrasting with the more casual presentation typically associated with mozzarella sticks served alongside a marinara dip.

Can I Make These Skewers in an Air Fryer Instead?

Certainly! Brie cheese skewers can be made in an air fryer, providing a healthier option with less oil than traditional deep frying. To prepare, follow the usual steps of coating the cheese in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Before air frying, lightly spray or brush the skewers with oil to enhance crispiness. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, for a golden, crispy exterior and gooey interior. This method simplifies cleanup and speeds up cooking, making it an appealing choice for healthier, convenient snacking.

More Cheese Recipes You Will Want to Try

Blue Cheese Fritter

Cheese Balls

Fried Mozzarella Cheese

Ham and Cheese Fritters

How to Store Pan-Fried Cheese Skewers

After cooling to room temperature, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore their crispy texture. Freezing is possible but not recommended as it may alter the brie's creamy texture.

How to Prepare Pan-Fried Cheese Skewers

Start by cutting the Brie cheese into triangles, and insert wooden sticks into the triangles.

Coat each piece in flour.

Then in an egg wash.

And then in the breadcrumbs.

Then, double coat each piece with the egg wash.

And then the breadcrumbs again. This will help them get a crispier coating.

Fry them in hot vegetable oil until they start turning golden brown.

Turn the halfway, so the crispy exterior keeps frying and turns also golden brown.

Serve while still hot and stringy. Enjoy!