I usually make these with sharp cheddar cheese. But I felt like spicing it up a little. Let’s make pepper jack bites! These are very much like the appetizer version of pizza. And I’m going to give you two options: you can bake or fry. It’s up to you.
1 (or 2) large block(s) of pepper jack cheese
1/4 cup to 1/3 cup flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup to 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano flakes
marinara sauce for serving
First, cut up the pepper jack cheese into bite-sized cubes.
Fill two shallow bowls, one with the flour and one with the panko + oregano. Fill a small bowl with the eggs, and whisk to combine.
Dip each cube of cheese in the flour, then the egg, and then the bread crumbs. Try to fully coat each cube as you work. Place the finished cubes on a baking sheet or clean plate.
Once you have coated all the cubes, pop them in the freezer for 5-8 minutes.
These are the fried version. Fill a heavy-duty pot with 2-3 inches of oil (canola or vegetable works well). Heat to around 350°F. Fry each cube for about 20-30 seconds, just until golden brown and crispy- looking.
Then, remove to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. I like to work with metal tongs when frying, as they make it easier to move food but keep my arms away from the hot oil.
Here you can see the baked version. These may not be quite as cosmetically beautiful, but they are still very crispy and tasty. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Pop these in the oven (be sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper or a Silpat mat) for 8-10 minutes, just until they begin to melt.
Serve with warm marinara sauce and watch these disappear at your next get-together. 🙂 Enjoy! xo. Emma
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Ingredients
- 1 or 2 large blocks of pepper jack cheese
- ¼-⅓ cup flour
- 2 eggs
- ½-¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon oregano flakes (dried)
- marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- First, cut up the pepper jack cheese into bite-sized cubes.
- Fill two shallow bowls, one with the flour and one with the panko + oregano. Fill a small bowl with the eggs, and whisk to combine.Dip each cube of cheese in the flour, then the egg, and then the bread crumbs. Try to fully coat each cube as you work. Place the finished cubes on a baking sheet or clean plate.
- Once you have coated all the cubes, pop them in the freezer for 5-8 minutes.
- These are the fried version. Fill a heavy-duty pot with 2-3 inches of oil (canola or vegetable works well). Heat to around 350°F. Fry each cube for about 20-30 seconds, just until golden brown and crispy-looking.
- Then, remove to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. I like to work with metal tongs when frying, as they make it easier to move food but keep my arms away from the hot oil.
Notes
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman
Mmmm, delicious!
Ummm…I bow down. Why haven’t I thought of this?! I love pepper jack cheese. You are all brilliant!!
I recently discovered that the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has a Pepper Jack Cheese Croissant….if you get it warmed up a bit, it is to die for!!
Thanks for posting this…it’ll be perfect for a party!
This sounds yummy. Might have to try it with the habernero cheese that I just bought.
YUMMOOOO
grace
http://herumbrella.com
What a treat! Just in time for a party….Thank you, ladies!
Awesome – can’t wait to make these this weekend!
http://districtandmore.com/
these sound incredible! pepper jack is my fave!
xxoo,
nikki
www.dreaminneon.blogspot.com
Yum! Look so good. Just need to dig up some gluten free bread crumbs!
These look and sound amazing! I think I’ll be trying the baked version with sharp cheddar this week!
OH WOW! Like cheesy delicious taterless tots. OH YUM! I can’t wait to try these!
Anything with melted cheese and im in! mmmm melted cheese….
Georgina x http://bakeitblonde.blogspot.co.uk/
Oh my God, oh my God! Chili cheese tops have been my absolute no contest favorite snack since forever and I can only imagine that they must be even better homemade! 😀
Looks so yummy! I will definitely try it out. Thanks for this lovely recipe
http://vformat.blogspot.com/
What delicious recipe! I´ll do it! have a nice weekend!!! kisses from Argentina
I’m starving now! Will try the baked version!
Sophie x
http://your-girl-is-lovely.blogspot.co.uk
I’m already drooling over the cheese in that second photo, I love cheese! These bites would be a good idea at parties/picnics 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
x Michelle
http://michalogy.wordpress.com/
anything with panko bread crumbs! I’m in
These look amazing!
These look divine!
These sounds yummy!
Lauren
livinginaboxx