How To 'Fry' Cheese In Your Waffle Iron
I'm betting it's not just me. Those cheese drips were the inspiration for these squares of waffled cheese, which are breaded and "fried" in a waffle iron for just a minute until their outsides turn golden brown and crunchy and their insides become molten and gooey. The waffle iron is the right tool for the job here, better than any frying pan. Its direct, two-directional heat crisps the breading without the need to flip. And those indentations the waffle iron creates? Those will hold salsa nicely, thank you. (Not that you need salsa to enjoy these. I can personally attest to the fact that they go down just fine on their own.) I used a low-moisture mozzarella, but any good melting cheeses could be substituted as long as you avoid cheese that is too wet (think: fresh mozzarella), or dry cheeses that are meant for grating (think: Parmesan). Go along the lines of a provolone, fontina, Jack, cheddar, or a queso chihuahua. You could even line up a variety and do a waffled cheese flight.
Ingredients
| 3 tbsp | 45 ml | All-purpose flour |
| 1/2 tsp | 2.5 ml | Paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper |
| 1/2 pound | 225 g | Low-moisture mozzarella, sliced about 1/2 inch thick (see note) |
| 2 | Large eggs, beaten | |
| 1/2 cup | 120 ml | Bread crumbs |
| as needed | Nonstick cooking spray | |
| optional | Salsa, for serving (optional) |
Instructions
YIELD: Serves 4. ACTIVE TIME: 15 minutes. TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes.
- Preheat waffle iron. (Set it to medium if it has temperature controls.)
- On a plate, mix flour with paprika or cayenne. Place 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 waffle iron with nonstick spray, place as many cheese slices as will fit in waffle iron, and close lid. Cook until bread crumbs turn golden brown, about 1 minute. Repeat with any remaining cheese.
- Serve hot on its own or with salsa for dipping.