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Pepper Jack Bites

Appetizers, Food, Hot, Savory, Small Bites
By Emma Chapman

Pepper jack bitesI usually make these with sharp cheddar cheese. But I felt like spicing it up a little. Let’s make pepper jack bites! These are very much like the appetizer version of pizza. And I’m going to give you two options: you can bake or fry. It’s up to you. How to make pepper jack bitesPepper Jack Bites

1 (or 2) large block(s) of pepper jack cheese
1/4 cup to 1/3 cup flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup to 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano flakes
marinara sauce for serving

First, cut up the pepper jack cheese into bite-sized cubes.How to make pepper jack bites Fill two shallow bowls, one with the flour and one with the panko + oregano. Fill a small bowl with the eggs, and whisk to combine. Dip each cube of cheese in the flour, then the egg, and then the bread crumbs. Try to fully coat each cube as you work. Place the finished cubes on a baking sheet or clean plate.

Once you have coated all the cubes, pop them in the freezer for 5-8 minutes.Fried pepper jack bitesThese are the fried version. Fill a heavy-duty pot with 2-3 inches of oil (canola or vegetable works well). Heat to around 350°F. Fry each cube for about 20-30 seconds, just until golden brown and crispy- looking. Then remove to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. I like to work with metal tongs when frying, as they make it easier to move food but keep my arms away from the hot oil.Baked pepper jack bitesHere you can see the baked version. These may not be quite as cosmetically beautiful, but they are still very crispy and tasty. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pop these in the oven (be sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper or a Silpat mat) for 8-10 minutes, just until they begin to melt.Pepper jack bites Serve with warm marinara sauce and watch these disappear at your next get-together. 🙂 Enjoy! xo. Emma

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Pepper Jack Bites

Ingredients

  • 1 or 2 large block(s) of pepper jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano flakes
  • marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. First, cut up the pepper jack cheese into bite-sized cubes.
  2. Fill two shallow bowls, one with the flour and one with the panko + oregano. Fill a small bowl with the eggs, and whisk to combine. Dip each cube of cheese in the flour, then the egg, and then the bread crumbs. Try to fully coat each cube as you work. Place the finished cubes on a baking sheet or clean plate.
  3. Once you have coated all the cubes, pop them in the freezer for 5-8 minutes.
  4. These are the fried version. Fill a heavy-duty pot with 2-3 inches of oil (canola or vegetable works well). Heat to around 350°F. Fry each cube for about 20-30 seconds, just until golden brown and crispy- looking. Then remove to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. I like to work with metal tongs when frying, as they make it easier to move food but keep my arms away from the hot oil.

Recipe Notes

If you want a baked version instead-Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pop these in the oven (be sure your baking sheet is lined with parchment paper or a Silpat mat) for 8-10 minutes, just until they begin to melt.

Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman

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