Delicious Fried Cheese Bites

Ingredients:

• 10 oz mozzarella string cheese (about 10 sticks)
• 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing the cheese sticks. Cut the mozzarella string cheese into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs until they are well beaten. Add the milk to the eggs and whisk again until combined.
3. Set up a breading station with three bowls. Fill one bowl with flour, another with bread crumbs, and place the egg and milk mixture in the third bowl. Arrange them in a line for easy dipping.
4. Take one piece of mozzarella at a time and coat it first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the bread crumbs until fully coated. Repeat this process for all the cheese pieces.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a medium-sized skillet, about 2 inches deep, to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To test if the oil is ready, insert a wooden spoon handle into the oil. If bubbles form around it, the oil is hot enough.
6. Line a plate with paper towels to drain the fried cheese bites after cooking.
7. Carefully add 5-7 cheese pieces to the hot oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded, and fry for about 30 seconds until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and transfer to the prepared plate.
8. Repeat the frying process in batches until all the cheese bites are cooked.
9. Serve the fried cheese bites immediately with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack!