Delicious, Cheesy, Golden Snack
📝 Quick Description
These Crispy Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Bites are crunchy on the outside and filled with gooey, stretchy cheese on the inside. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for parties, movie nights, lunchboxes, or high-protein snacking. They taste like restaurant-style cheese bites but are easy enough to make at home.
⏱ Servings & Timing
- Makes: About 20 bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 10–15 minutes (important for shaping)
- Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (drained well)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko for extra crunch)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works well)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Drain the Cottage Cheese
This step is very important.
Place the cottage cheese in a fine mesh strainer and press gently with a spoon to remove excess moisture. If it’s too wet, the bites won’t hold their shape.
2️⃣ Mix the Cheese Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Drained cottage cheese
- Shredded mozzarella
- Egg
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
3️⃣ Add the Breadcrumbs
Stir in the breadcrumbs gradually.
The mixture should be soft but firm enough to roll into balls.
If it feels too wet, add 1–2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs.
4️⃣ Shape the Bites
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of mixture and roll into small balls.
Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.
5️⃣ Chill for Best Results
Refrigerate the shaped bites for 10–15 minutes.
This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart while frying.
6️⃣ Heat the Oil
In a deep pan, heat oil over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C).
You can test by dropping in a small crumb — it should sizzle immediately.
7️⃣ Fry Until Golden
Carefully add the bites in small batches.
Do not overcrowd the pan.
Fry for 2–3 minutes per side or until:
- Deep golden brown
- Crispy on the outside
- Cheese melted inside
Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
🔥 Optional Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
- Lightly spray bites with oil
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway
- Cook until golden and crisp
💪 Nutrition (Per Bite – 20 bites total)
Approximate values:
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 3g
- Carbs: 5g
Nutrition may vary depending on oil absorption and breadcrumb type.
🧀 Why These Work So Well
- Cottage cheese adds moisture and protein
- Mozzarella gives that stretchy melt
- Breadcrumbs create the crisp outer layer
- Quick chill time prevents breakage
🌿 Flavor Variations
Try mixing in:
- Red chili flakes for heat
- Finely chopped spinach
- Parmesan for sharper flavor
- Smoked paprika for depth
- Chopped jalapeños
🍅 Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic yogurt dip
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy sriracha mayo
They also pair perfectly with salads or as a side to soup.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat in air fryer for best crispiness
- Not ideal for freezing after frying
