Simple Fruit and Cheese Skewers

These Melty Fondue Bites are a bite-sized twist on the classic Swiss fondue, offering the rich, gooey goodness of melted cheese in a crispy, golden shell. Perfect for parties, game nights, or any gathering, these bites are easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or alongside a variety of dippable veggies and bread for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Key Information:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling time)
• Cooking time: 5-7 minutes per batch
• Total time: 50 minutes
• Number of servings: 24 bites
• Serving size: 3-4 bites

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg

Ingredients:

• 200g (7 oz) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 100g (3.5 oz) Emmental cheese, grated
• 50g (1/4 cup) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon (1g) garlic powder (optional)
• 120g (1 cup) breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Method of Preparation:

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the Gruyère, Emmental, and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the flour, egg, nutmeg, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) until the mixture forms a sticky dough-like consistency.
2. Shape the Bites: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the cheese mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Chill the Bites: Transfer the tray of cheese balls to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape when frying.
4. Bread the Bites: Once chilled, coat each cheese ball in melted butter, then roll in the breadcrumbs to evenly coat. For an extra crispy texture, dip each bite into milk and roll them again in breadcrumbs.
5. Fry the Bites: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 175°C (350°F). Fry the cheese bites in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried bites from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately.

Tips for Culinary Success:

1. Chill for Better Results: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the cheese bites firm up so they don’t fall apart during frying.
2. Bread Twice for Extra Crispiness: For a crunchier shell, dip the cheese bites in milk after the first breadcrumb coating and then coat them again with more breadcrumbs.
3. Fry in Small Batches: Fry the cheese bites in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure an even golden crust.
4. Experiment with Cheese: Try adding a bit of sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to the mixture for a different flavor profile.
5. Bake for a Lighter Version: If you prefer a lighter option, bake the bites in a preheated 200°C (400°F) oven for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make these bites ahead of time? Yes, you can shape and bread the bites up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and fry them just before serving.
2. What can I serve with these fondue bites? These bites are delicious on their own or with a side of marinara sauce, mustard, or even a creamy cheese dip.
3. Can I freeze the cheese bites? Yes, you can freeze them before frying. After shaping and breading, place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time.
4. Can I make these bites without frying? Yes! If you prefer not to fry, you can bake them in the oven or use an air fryer at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes.
5. Why is my cheese leaking out during frying? If the oil isn’t hot enough or the cheese bites aren’t chilled properly, the cheese can melt too quickly and seep out. Ensure the oil is at the right temperature and that the bites are well-chilled before frying.

These Melty Fondue Bites are everything you love about fondue in convenient, crispy bites. Packed with cheesy goodness, they’re perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a special treat. Serve them fresh and hot, and watch them disappear in no time!