Contents
This Romanian Fried Cheese (CaČcaval Pane) is a crispy, golden delight with a gooey melted cheese interior. A popular Romanian dish, it's perfect for comfort food lovers and easy to make at home! š§āØ
Ingredients
- 300 g CaČcaval cheese š§ or Gouda/Emmental as a substitute
- 2 eggs, beaten š„
- 3-4 tbsp flour š¾
- 3-4 tbsp breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned) š
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying) š«
- (Optional) A pinch of salt & pepper for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cut the cheese: Slice the CaČcaval into thick 2 cm slices (about 5-6 pieces per block). š§
- Coat the cheese: Dip each cheese slice into flour ā egg ā breadcrumbs (ensuring full coverage).
- Freeze before frying: Place the coated cheese slices on a plate and freeze for at least 2 hours. This prevents melting when frying. āļø
- Double coat for extra crispiness: Before frying, repeat the coating process (flour ā egg ā breadcrumbs) for an extra crispy crust.
- Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan and heat over medium-high heat.
- Fry the cheese: Carefully place the slices in the hot oil, frying until golden brown (~1-2 minutes per side). š
- Drain excess oil: Transfer the fried cheese to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy hot with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or a garlic dipping sauce for the perfect experience. šš„
Notes
š„ Expert Tips for the Best Fried Cheese
ā Freeze before frying ā This step ensures the cheese stays firm and prevents melting too quickly in the pan.ā Deep-fry for best results ā An oil bath creates an even golden crust.
ā Air-fryer option ā A lighter alternative that still delivers great flavor, though slightly less crispy.
ā Serve immediately ā Fried cheese is at its best when fresh and hot.
ā FAQ: Common Questions About Romanian Fried Cheese
1ļøā£ Can I use a different cheese?Yes! While CaČcaval is traditional, Gouda, Emmental, or Edam also work well. Any semi-hard cheese that melts nicely can be used. 2ļøā£ What if I donāt freeze the cheese?
Freezing is strongly recommended. Without it, the cheese may ooze out too fast during frying. 3ļøā£ Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 200Ā°C (400Ā°F) until golden. The crust will be less crispy than the fried version. 4ļøā£ Can I reheat fried cheese?
No. Reheating makes the crust soggy and the cheese firm. Always enjoy it fresh.
š·š“ Why Youāll Love This Romanian Fried Cheese
ā Quick to prepare with minimal ingredientsā Ultra crispy outside, gooey inside
ā A classic Romanian comfort food
ā Easy to customize with different cheeses or seasonings
