Copycat Zaxby’s Fried White Cheddar Bites Recipe
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| Crack through that golden crust and you get a warm, gooey white cheddar center that makes this copycat Zaxby’s snack impossible to resist. |
If you love crispy cheese bites with a gooey, melty middle, this one is for you. These copycat Zaxby’s Fried White Cheddar Bites are crunchy on the outside, rich and cheesy on the inside, and surprisingly easy to make at home. They’re perfect for game day, party snacks, appetizer night, or honestly, one of those evenings when you just want something fun and indulgent.
I’ve always thought fried cheese bites are a little like tiny treasure chests. The outside is crisp and golden, but once you bite in, you get that warm, creamy white cheddar center. It’s hard to stop at just one.
What Are Zaxby’s Fried White Cheddar Bites?
Zaxby’s is a well-known fast food chain in the USA, especially loved across the South for its chicken fingers, wings, fries, and bold dipping sauces. The brand has built a loyal following by serving comfort food that feels a little extra special. Their appetizers and sides are a big part of that appeal.
Fried White Cheddar Bites have become a fan favorite because they hit all the right notes. They’re crispy, salty, creamy, and packed with cheesy flavor. The outside coating has that satisfying crunch, while the inside is soft, rich, and slightly sharp from the white cheddar. It’s the kind of snack that disappears fast the second it hits the table.
This recipe is inspired by that restaurant favorite, but it is made for the home cook. We are not claiming this is the exact recipe from Zaxby’s, only a delicious copycat version you can make in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Fried White Cheddar Bites Recipe
- Easy to follow for beginner cooks
- Made with simple grocery store ingredients
- Perfect for parties, snacks, and appetizers
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead prep
- Can be deep fried or air fried with a few changes
- That crispy outside and melty center is just plain irresistible
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 6 servings, depending on how hungry everyone is.
- 12 ounces white cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Optional for serving:
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy dipping sauce
- Marinara sauce
- Honey mustard
Serving Size, Prep Time, and Nutrition
- Serving size: About 5 to 6 cheese bites
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Freeze time: 30 to 45 minutes
- Cook time: 5 to 8 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients and oil used.
How to Make Copycat Zaxby’s Fried White Cheddar Bites
Don’t worry if frying sounds tricky. If you can bread chicken or make a grilled cheese, you can handle this. The main trick is to freeze the cheese bites before frying. That helps the coating stay put while the cheese gets soft and melty inside.
Step 1: Cut the Cheese
Start by cutting the white cheddar into bite-size cubes, about 1 inch each. Try to keep them close in size so they cook evenly. If some are tiny and some are huge, the smaller ones may melt too fast.
Use a block of white cheddar instead of pre-shredded cheese. A solid block holds its shape much better, and the flavor is richer too.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
You’ll need three shallow bowls.
- In the first bowl, add the flour.
- In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In the third bowl, mix the plain breadcrumbs, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
This assembly-line setup makes the breading process much easier and less messy.
Step 3: Bread the Cheese Cubes
Take one cheese cube and roll it in the flour. Shake off the extra. Then dip it into the egg mixture, letting any extra drip off. After that, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture.
For a thicker coating, which really helps keep the cheese from leaking, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step one more time. In other words:
- Flour
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg again
- Breadcrumbs again
This double coating is worth the extra few minutes. Think of it like putting a winter coat on the cheese. It gives the center a little protection from the hot oil.
Step 4: Freeze Before Frying
Place the breaded cheese bites on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not touching. Freeze them for at least 30 to 45 minutes.
Do not skip this step. It helps the crust set and slows down the melting inside. If you fry them right away, there’s a good chance the cheese will ooze out into the oil.
Step 5: Heat the Oil Safely
Pour about 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy pot or deep skillet. Heat the oil to 350°F. Use a kitchen thermometer if you have one. That’s the best way to keep frying safe and consistent.
If the oil is too cool, the bites can get greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside may brown before the inside softens properly.
Important food safety note: Hot oil can splatter. Fry carefully, keep children away from the stove, and never leave hot oil unattended.
Step 6: Fry the Cheese Bites
Working in small batches, add a few frozen cheese bites to the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan. Fry for about 1 to 2 minutes, turning if needed, until golden brown and crisp.
Once they’re done, remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
Serve them warm while the centers are creamy and the outside is still crunchy.
Step 7: Serve Right Away
These are best eaten fresh. Pair them with ranch, honey mustard, marinara, or your favorite spicy dipping sauce. If you want to build a snack spread, serve them with fries, wings, and cold drinks for a fun restaurant-style meal at home.
Helpful Tips for the Best Fried White Cheddar Bites
- Use block cheese, not sliced or shredded cheese
- Double bread the bites for the best shell
- Freeze before frying so the cheese stays inside
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady
- Serve immediately for the best texture
If a little cheese leaks out, don’t stress. That happens sometimes, even in test kitchens. They’ll still taste amazing.
Air Fryer Option for an Easier Home Version
If you want a simpler method with less oil, the air fryer is a great option. The texture will be a little different from deep frying, but still tasty and crisp.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F
- Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray
- Place the frozen breaded cheese bites in a single layer
- Spray the tops lightly with oil
- Air fry for 4 to 6 minutes, checking closely
Keep an eye on them near the end. Cheese can go from perfect to bursting pretty quickly.
Allergy-Friendly and Diet Modification Ideas
One thing that can set a recipe apart is flexibility. Not everyone eats the same way, and that’s okay. Below are several ways to adjust this copycat fried white cheddar bites recipe for different needs.
Gluten-Free Version
To make this recipe gluten-free:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers
- Check labels on seasonings and dipping sauces to be sure they are gluten-free
The texture may be slightly different, but the crunch can still be very good.
Dairy-Free Version
This one is harder because cheese is the star, but you still have options.
- Use a dairy-free block-style cheddar alternative that is made for melting
- Replace the milk in the egg wash with unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or water
Not all dairy-free cheeses fry the same way, so it may take a little trial and error. Freezing them well is extra important here.
Egg-Free Version
If you need to avoid eggs, try one of these swaps for the coating step:
- 1/2 cup milk + 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Aquafaba from canned chickpeas
- Plain unsweetened plant yogurt thinned slightly with water
These options help the breadcrumbs stick without eggs.
Vegetarian Version
Good news. This recipe is already vegetarian as written, as long as the cheese you buy uses vegetarian-friendly enzymes. Check the package if that matters to you.
Vegan Version
For a vegan take:
- Use a firm vegan white cheddar block
- Use plant milk or aquafaba instead of the egg wash
- Use vegan breadcrumbs
I’d also suggest air frying the vegan version first. Some plant-based cheeses can melt very fast in deep oil.
Low-Carb or Keto-Inspired Idea
This won’t be exactly the same, but if you want fewer carbs:
- Use almond flour instead of regular flour
- Use crushed pork rinds or low-carb crumbs instead of breadcrumbs
The flavor changes a bit, but you still get that crunchy outside and melty center.
Paleo Note
A true paleo version is difficult because dairy cheese is not usually included in paleo eating. If needed, you could experiment with a paleo-friendly cheese alternative, though the result will be different from the original style.
What to Serve with Fried White Cheddar Bites
These cheesy bites work well on their own, but they’re even better as part of a full snack spread.
- French fries or waffle fries
- Chicken tenders
- Buffalo wings
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
- Sweet tea or lemonade
If you’re hosting friends for football season, this is one of those easy appetizers that makes everyone gather around the platter.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let them cool fully, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Air fryer: 350°F for 2 to 3 minutes
- Oven: 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes
Avoid the microwave if possible. It tends to make the coating soft instead of crisp.
You can also freeze the breaded, uncooked bites for later. Freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Fry or air fry from frozen.
Food Safety Tips
Even simple appetizer recipes deserve a few safety reminders.
- Keep cheese refrigerated until you’re ready to bread it
- Wash hands and clean surfaces after handling eggs
- Use a thermometer to keep frying oil around 350°F
- Never fill a pot more than halfway with oil
- Let hot oil cool fully before disposing of it
Because this is a cheese appetizer and not a meat dish, there is no required internal meat temperature here. The focus is on safe handling of dairy, eggs, and hot oil.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving Zaxby’s Fried White Cheddar Bites, this easy copycat recipe is a fun way to bring that crispy, cheesy snack home. They’re simple enough for a casual weekend, but tasty enough for parties and special occasions too.
Give them a try and make them your own with different dips or seasonings. If you do, I’d love to hear how they turned out. Please share this recipe with friends and family, and leave a comment with your favorite dipping sauce or any twists you added.
Disclaimer
This is a copycat recipe inspired by a popular restaurant dish. It is not the original recipe, and no knowledge of the actual proprietary recipe is implied. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing Zaxby’s in any way.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.
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