Crispy Fried Cheesecake Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely crushed graham crackers
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

1. Prepare Cheesecake Mixture:

In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

2. Shape and Freeze:

Shape the cheesecake mixture into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the crushed graham crackers to coat them thoroughly. Place the coated cheesecake balls on a baking sheet and freeze them for at least 2 hours.

3. Set Up Dredging Station:

Prepare three bowls for the dredging process:

• One bowl with all-purpose flour.
• One bowl with beaten eggs mixed with milk.
• One bowl with panko breadcrumbs.

4. Bread the Cheesecake Balls:

Remove the frozen cheesecake balls from the freezer. Roll each ball in flour, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. After breading, return the balls to the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm up.

5. Fry:

Heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cheesecake balls in batches until they turn golden brown, which should take about 2-3 minutes per batch.

6. Drain and Dust:

Once fried, place the cheesecake balls on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Dust them with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy fried cheesecake bites!