A plate of golden-brown Romanian Fried Cheese (Cașcaval Pane) with a crispy crust and gooey melted cheese inside, served with crispy fries, a fresh salad, and a garlic dipping sauce on a rustic wooden table.

Romanian Fried Cheese – Cașcaval Pane

This Romanian Fried Cheese (Cașcaval 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! 🧀✨
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Freezing time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 2 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g Cașcaval cheese 🧀 or Gouda/Emmental as a substitute
  • 2 eggs, beaten 🥚
  • 3-4 tbsp flour 🌾
  • 3-4 tbsp breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned) 🍞
  • Vegetable oil (for deep frying) 🫒
  • (Optional) A pinch of salt & pepper for extra flavor

Instructions
 

  • Cut the cheese: Slice the Cașcaval into thick 2 cm slices (about 5-6 pieces per block). 🧀
  • Coat the cheese: Dip each cheese slice into flour → egg → 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. ❄️
  • Double coat for extra crispiness: Before frying, repeat the coating process (flour → egg → 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). 🏅
  • 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. 🍟🥗

Notes

Step-by-step process of making Romanian Fried Cheese (Cașcaval Pane): slicing the cheese, breading it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, freezing it, frying it to a golden brown, and serving it with fries and salad.
If you're looking for a dish that is irresistibly crispy on the outside and deliciously gooey on the inside, then you must try this Romanian Fried Cheese Recipe – Cașcaval Pane! 🧀✨ It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special.
This dish holds a special place in my heart because it was a rare delight I enjoyed mostly in restaurants while growing up. However, once I mastered the secret to making it at home (and trust me, I had my fair share of melted cheese disasters!), I never looked back. Today, I’m sharing all the tips and tricks to ensure your fried cheese turns out crispy, golden, and full of flavor every single time. 🤩

🔥 Expert Tips for the Best Fried Cheese

Freezing is a must! This step ensures the cheese stays firm while frying and prevents a melted mess in the pan.
Use an oil bath. Deep frying ensures even cooking and a crispy, golden crust.
Want a healthier option? Use an air fryer! The result will be slightly less crispy, but still delicious.
Eat it fresh! Fried cheese is best enjoyed immediately. Reheating it can make it hard and rubbery.

❓FAQ: Common Questions About Romanian Fried Cheese

1️⃣ Can I use a different cheese?

Yes! While Cașcaval is the traditional choice, you can also use Gouda, Emmental, or Edam – any semi-hard cheese that melts well will work.

2️⃣ What if I don’t have time to freeze the cheese?

Freezing is highly recommended to prevent melting during frying. If you skip this step, the cheese might ooze out too quickly, resulting in a mess.

3️⃣ Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake the cheese at 200°C (400°F) until golden brown. However, the crust won’t be as crispy as the fried version.

4️⃣ Can I reheat fried cheese?

No, fried cheese is best eaten fresh. Reheating will make the crust soggy and the cheese firm instead of gooey.

🇷🇴 Why You’ll Love This Romanian Fried Cheese Recipe

Easy to make – minimal ingredients & effort
Ultra crispy & cheesy – perfect texture contrast
Authentic Romanian comfort food
Customizable – try different cheeses or seasoning
If you’ve never tried Cașcaval Pane, now’s the time! 😍 Let me know how it turns out and tag me in your cheesy creations! 🧀✨ Happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🎉
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Keyword Cașcaval Pane, cheesy snacks, deep-fried cheese, Romanian comfort food, Romanian fried cheese
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