Ingredients
Scale
- 10 large dill pickle spears, patted very dry
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice the dry pickle spears into small pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the diced pickles, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and dried dill. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.
- Step 2: Prepare a standard dredging station using three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish, pour the whisked egg into the second, and place the Panko breadcrumbs in the third dish.
- Step 3: Scoop 1 tablespoon of the pickle-cheese mixture and roll it into a tight ball or small cylindrical bite. Carefully dredge the bite first in the flour (shaking off excess), then dip completely in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the Panko crumbs. Set aside and repeat for all remaining mixture.
- Step 4: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil temperature is stable before proceeding. (Alternatively, preheat an air fryer to 400°F/200°C).
- Step 5: Working in small batches (to avoid crowding the oil and dropping the temperature), carefully drop the coated bites into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until the coating is deeply golden brown and crispy.
- Step 6: Remove the Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites with a slotted spoon and transfer them immediately to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve warm with ranch dressing or dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
- If preparing ahead, dredge and freeze the uncooked bites solid on a tray, then transfer to a sealed bag; cook directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the frying time.
- To revive leftover bites and restore maximum crunch, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is gooey again.
- Elevate your appetizer game by serving these hot bites alongside a cool, creamy dipping sauce like chipotle mayo or a slightly sweet honey mustard for a perfect temperature and flavor contrast.
- Crucial step: Ensure the diced pickle spears are patted aggressively dry with paper towels; any remaining moisture will cause the cheese mixture to break down during frying, leading to a messy cheese leak.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American