Description
Indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Crunch Bites are a savory and crispy appetizer combining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses with a flavorful herb-infused batter. Perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, these bites are easy to prepare and served with a tangy marinara sauce, making them an irresistible snack or party treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Opt for fresh mozzarella for richer flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Add more for extra crispiness.)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Gluten-free flour can be used.)
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder (Lightens the texture.)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (A must-have for flavor.)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Swap for Italian seasoning for variation.)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 Eggs (Flax egg can be a vegan substitute.)
- 1/4 cup Milk (Plant-based milk is suitable for a dairy-free option.)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Optional; adds color.)
For Serving
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (For serving; ranch or garlic aioli are alternatives.)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and dried oregano until well combined.
- Combine cheeses: Grate or crumble the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses and mix them into the dry ingredient bowl.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until smooth. Add the chopped fresh parsley if using.
- Form the batter: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until a sticky dough forms. Do not overmix.
- Shape the bites: Using a spoon or your hands, form the dough into small bite-sized balls, approximately one inch in diameter, and place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Pair the bites with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- To make these bites vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and vegan cheeses.
- Adding extra parmesan cheese increases crispiness and flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds color and a subtle fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Alternative dips such as ranch or garlic aioli complement these bites well.
