Waffle Iron "Fried" Cheese (Queso Frito)

Cheese

Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Servings: 4 servings Source:

Ingredients

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 pound low-moisture mozzarella, sliced about 1/2 inch thick (see note)

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup bread crumbs

Nonstick cooking spray

Salsa, for serving (optional)

Directions

Preheat waffle iron to medium, if it has temperature controls.

On a plate, mix the flour with paprika or cayenne.

Place the eggs in a second plate or bowl, and bread crumbs in a third.

Working one slice at a time, coat cheese in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.

Spray both sides of the waffle iron with nonstick spray, place as many cheese slices as will fit in it, and close the lid. Cook until the bread crumbs turn golden brown, about 1 minute. Repeat with any remaining cheese.

Serve hot on its own or with salsa for dipping.

Notes

Any good melting cheese such as young provolone, fontina, Jack, cheddar, or a queso chihuahua can be used in place of the mozzarella. Avoid fresh mozzarella or dry cheese meant for grating. Some recipes call for the breaded cheese to be refrigerated (or frozen) before cooking. I did not find this to be necessary with the waffle iron version, but you can certainly bread the cheese several hours ahead and refrigerate it until you're ready to waffle.

Nutrition

(per serving)
167 Calories 7g Fat 17g Carbs 9g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 167
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 104mg 35%
Sodium 203mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 140mg 11%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 154mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.