WHAT IS A CHEESE ROUND?

Also known as cheese pops, these circular yet delicious fried balls of cheese are crunchy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside.  A cheese round is another take on cheese sticks, but with a more fun shape.

SUGGESTIONS WHEN MAKING A CHEESE ROUND

• How Easy Is It To Fry Mozzarella?

Fried Mozzarella is super easy–as long as you follow some simple rules. It’s worth making fried mozzarella at home. It’s a delectable treat for kids, a delicious appetizer for adults and all around fun food. Melty cheese bites encased in crisp breadcrumbs can be speared with a toothpick or just picked up with fingers.

• Big Chill for Best Results

For the best results, chill or freeze your breaded mozzarella cheese balls before frying. This not only keeps the texture crisp but allows the cheese to melt a the right speed rather than before the breadcrumbs brown and you wind up with a mess. Eat these bite-sized sums plain or serve with Quick Marinara Sauce.

• Make sure to salt immediately after frying!

The best time to add salt to any fried food is right when it comes out of the hot oil and before it cools.  Once the fried food has started to cool, the oil exterior becomes a hard shell and salt just bounces off it instead of flavoring your food.

• Want to try a different Italian cheese?

Interested in learning about mozzarella’s softer cousin burrata? Check out our Food Fight! Burrata vs. Mozzarella.

WHAT PAIRS WELL WITH CHEESE ROUNDS?

Any fried food has its’ fair share of grease, so try to pair with something not containing oil (rules out most salad dressings).  Or try some chicken wings baked with a spicy dry rub, or a nice dish of short cut pasta like Gemelli with Tomato Zucchini Sauce! (written by Chef Stef)