Crispy Waffle Iron Fried Cheese (Queso Frito) Recipe

Crispy waffle iron fried cheese tantalizes taste buds with its golden, melted perfection.

Unexpected kitchen tools reimagine ordinary ingredients into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Melted cheese creates a delightful exterior that crackles with each bite.

Versatile and quick, this method brings excitement to traditional cooking techniques.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate the simplicity and unexpected charm of this technique.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike can master this delectable trick with minimal effort.

The result combines crisp texture with rich, gooey cheese in every mouthwatering morsel.

Why Waffle Iron “Fried” Cheese (Queso Frito) Is Your Crispy Cheese Dream

• Unlock Crispy Cheese Magic: Transform ordinary mozzarella into a crunchy, golden delight using your waffle iron, creating a unique twist on traditional fried cheese that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Rapid-Fire Cooking Technique: Achieve perfectly crisp exterior and melty interior in just one minute, making this recipe an ideal solution for quick snacks, appetizers, or unexpected cravings without deep-frying.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different cheese varieties like cheddar or gouda, adjust spice levels by playing with paprika or cayenne, and personalize your coating to match your taste preferences, ensuring every batch feels fresh and exciting.
• Minimal Equipment, Maximum Enjoyment: Utilize a common kitchen appliance (waffle iron) to create restaurant-quality appetizers, turning an ordinary cooking tool into a versatile cheese-crisping marvel that impresses friends and family with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients for Waffle Iron “Fried” Cheese (Queso Frito)

• All-Purpose Flour, Paprika: Dry mixture creates a light, flavorful seasoned base for the cheese, with paprika adding a warm, slightly smoky taste.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their cheese coating.

• Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Firm cheese that holds its shape well during cooking, best when sliced evenly for consistent results.

• Large Eggs: Beaten eggs act as a crucial binding agent to help breading stick to the cheese.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides a crispy, golden exterior that adds delightful texture to the fried cheese.

• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy release from the waffle iron and prevents sticking.
• Salsa: Optional fresh condiment to complement the crispy cheese.

How to Make Waffle Iron “Fried” Cheese at Home

Step 1: Warm Up The Waffle Maker

Plug in your waffle iron and set it to medium heat. Give it a few minutes to warm up completely. Lightly spray both cooking surfaces with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Coating Stations

• First plate: Flour mixed with spices
• Second plate: Beaten eggs
• Third plate: Bread crumbs

Step 3: Prepare Cheese Coating Mix

• All-purpose flour
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Dredge Cheese Slices

• Coat completely in seasoned flour
• Dip into beaten eggs
• Roll in bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure full coverage

Step 5: Cook Cheese Slices

• Avoid overcrowding
• Close lid gently
• Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and crispy
• Cheese should start melting inside

Step 6: Remove And Rest

Carefully remove cheese slices using a heat-resistant spatula. Let them rest on a paper towel for 30 seconds to absorb excess oil.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

• Serve with salsa
• Sprinkle with fresh herbs
• Add a squeeze of lime for extra flavor

Tips for Getting That Golden Crust on Waffle Iron Queso Frito

• Chill the Cheese: Freeze mozzarella slices for 10-15 minutes before coating to help them maintain shape during cooking and prevent excessive melting.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Press bread crumbs firmly onto cheese to create a thick, even layer that ensures maximum crispiness and prevents gaps in the coating.
• Control Cooking Time: Watch closely while cooking, as cheese can quickly go from perfectly crisp to burnt; aim for a golden-brown exterior with a gooey, melted center.
• Choose the Right Cheese: Select firm cheeses like mozzarella, halloumi, or queso fresco that hold their shape and melt beautifully under heat.
• Clean Waffle Iron Immediately: Wipe down the waffle iron with a damp cloth while still warm to prevent cheese from hardening and becoming difficult to remove.

How to Store and Reheat Waffle Iron “Fried” Cheese Without Losing Crunch

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cheese slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange cheese slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through.
• Air Fryer Option: Warm cheese slices in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even crispiness. This method helps maintain the original crunchy texture.

What to Serve with Waffle Iron “Fried” Cheese

• Ignite Mediterranean Magic: Pair this crispy queso frito with a chilled glass of crisp Spanish albariño white wine, which cuts through the rich cheese with its bright, citrusy notes and refreshing acidity.
• Salsa Dance Party: Serve alongside a zesty homemade salsa verde or roasted tomato salsa that provides a tangy, spicy counterpoint to the golden, melty cheese bites, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Casual Fiesta Companion: Match these waffle iron cheese treats with a light Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, whose clean, slightly hoppy profile complements the crispy, cheesy texture without overwhelming the delicate cheese flavor.
• Fresh Green Sidekick: Create a simple mixed green salad with a lime-cilantro vinaigrette to bring freshness and brightness, balancing the richness of the fried cheese and adding a vibrant contrast to the plate.

Delicious Variations of Waffle Iron Queso Frito to Try

• Spicy Southwest Queso: Blend jalapeños and chili powder into bread crumbs for a fiery kick, then serve with fresh cilantro-lime salsa.
• Mediterranean Herb Cheese: Mix dried oregano, basil, and thyme into bread crumbs, using feta or halloumi cheese for a tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Smoky BBQ Crunch: Incorporate smoked paprika and BBQ seasoning into bread crumbs, then pair with a zesty barbecue dipping sauce for added depth.
• Parmesan Garlic Crisp: Combine grated parmesan and garlic powder in bread crumbs, creating an aromatic and savory cheese variation that pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce.

Waffle Iron Fried Cheese (Queso Frito) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Queso frito sizzles with Latin American charm, delivering crispy golden cheese perfection. Melted cheese hugs a crunchy exterior, inviting you to savor this irresistible Colombian street snack that brings delicious simplicity to your plate.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• ½ pound (226 grams) low-moisture mozzarella, sliced about ½ inch thick
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup (60 grams) bread crumbs

Flour and Spice Coating:

• 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper

Cooking Preparation:

• Nonstick cooking spray
• Salsa, for serving (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Ready the waffle iron to medium heat, ensuring it’s thoroughly preheated and lightly coated with nonstick spray to prevent cheese from sticking.
2. Create three distinct coating stations: one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the final station with crisp bread crumbs for complete cheese coverage.
3. Meticulously dredge each mozzarella slice through the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Immediately submerge the floured cheese into beaten eggs, allowing minimal dripping.
4. Carefully press the egg-coated cheese into bread crumbs, rotating to achieve comprehensive and even coating that will transform into a crunchy exterior.
5. Strategically position coated cheese slices inside the waffle iron, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding and ensuring uniform crispiness.
6. Close the waffle iron lid and cook for approximately 60-90 seconds, watching for a rich golden-brown color and visible cheese melting.
7. Gently remove the crispy cheese using heat-resistant utensils, transferring to a serving plate that can capture any delightful melted edges.
8. Optionally accompany with zesty salsa or your preferred dipping sauce to complement the rich, melted cheese and enhance overall flavor profile.
9. Experiment with alternative cheese varieties like cheddar or gouda to discover unique taste combinations and textures.

Notes

• Experiment with varied cheese types like cheddar or gouda for different flavor profiles.
• Spice up the bread crumbs with extra cayenne or chili flakes for a zesty kick.
• Quick cooking method transforms ordinary cheese into a crispy, golden appetizer perfect for spontaneous snacking or party gatherings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg