If you're craving a deliciously crispy, gooey delight that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Central Europe, look no further than Smažený Sýr, the beloved Czech breaded fried cheese! This mouthwatering dish is not just a treat for your palate; it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich flavors of cheese with the satisfying crunch of golden breadcrumbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to dive into the world of Czech cuisine and discover how to make this irresistible dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Czech
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Cheese (e.g., Edam or Hermelín)
- Flour
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese by cutting it into rectangular or square slices about 1/2 inch thick. Ensure the cheese is firm and cold from the refrigerator for easier handling.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third with fine breadcrumbs.
- Pat the cheese slices dry with paper towels to help the breading adhere better. Season the cheese lightly with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each cheese slice first in the seasoned flour, coating completely and shaking off excess. This helps the egg wash stick better.
- Next, dip the floured cheese slice into the beaten eggs, ensuring full and even coverage.
- Finally, coat the egg-covered cheese thoroughly in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a complete and even coating.
- Place the breaded cheese slices on a clean plate and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to help the coating set.
- Heat neutral cooking oil in a heavy skillet or deep fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use enough oil to cover at least half the cheese slice.
- Carefully place the breaded cheese into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried cheese with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, traditionally accompanied by tartar sauce, boiled potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cheese: For the best results, opt for semi-hard cheeses like Edam or Hermelín, which melt beautifully while holding their shape during frying.
- Keep it Cold: Ensure your cheese is firm and cold before slicing. This makes it easier to handle and helps maintain its shape during the frying process.
- Breading Station Setup: Organize your breading station efficiently—having flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes allows for easy and quick coating.
- Perfect the Breading Technique: Don’t rush the breading process! Make sure each slice is evenly coated with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for that perfect crispy crust.
- Chill Before Frying: After breading, refrigerate the cheese slices for 10-15 minutes. This step helps the coating adhere better and prevents it from falling off during frying.
- Oil Temperature Matters: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature before frying. Maintaining a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C) ensures a crispy exterior without overcooking the cheese.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, let the cheese drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. This keeps the dish light and crispy.
- Serve Immediately: Smažený Sýr is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Pair it with tartar sauce, boiled potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 466kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 226mg
