Crispy Waffle Iron Queso Frito Recipe: Easy Cheesy Delight

Golden, crispy, and irresistibly cheesy, this waffle iron fried cheese bursts with delightful flavor that transforms ordinary snacking.

The technique of using a waffle iron creates an unexpected crunch that elevates simple queso frito to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Melted cheese develops a gorgeous golden-brown exterior while maintaining a soft, gooey center that melts in your mouth.

Latin American cuisine offers incredible ways to enjoy cheese, and this method brings a playful twist to traditional preparation.

The waffle iron provides perfect ridges and pockets that capture every bit of cheesy goodness.

You’ll love how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Serve these crispy cheese squares as an appetizer or quick snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minutes

Total Time: 11 minutes

Calories: 203 kcal

Servings: 5

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

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps create a light, crispy exterior that seals in the cheese's creamy goodness.
• Paprika or Cayenne Pepper: Adds a warm, subtle kick and beautiful golden color to the coating.
• Bread Crumbs: Provides a crunchy, textured shell that makes the cheese extra crispy.

• Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Ideal cheese for frying with a mild flavor and perfect melting consistency, choose a firm block for clean slicing.

• Eggs: Acts as a crucial glue to help the coating stick to the cheese, ensuring a smooth and even coverage.
• Nonstick Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden, even browning in the waffle iron.

• Salsa: Optional fresh, zesty accompaniment that adds bright flavor and cuts through the richness of the fried cheese.

Tools That Help Cook Waffle Iron “Fried” Cheese Perfectly

• Waffle Iron: Essential for creating crispy, golden cheese with unique grid patterns.
• Plates or Bowls: Three needed for flour, eggs, and bread crumbs coating stations.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning with paprika or cayenne.
• Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs smoothly.
• Cooking Spray: Crucial for preventing cheese from sticking to waffle iron.
• Spatula: Helpful for removing cooked cheese slices carefully.

How to Make Waffle Iron “Fried” Cheese Crisp and Gooey

Crispy Cheese Waffle Delight

• Waffle Iron Prep

Get your waffle iron ready by plugging it in and heating to medium. A well-heated surface ensures that golden, crunchy exterior we’re aiming for.

• Coating Adventure

Set up three shallow dishes: one with seasoned flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with bread crumbs. This station will transform plain cheese into a crispy sensation.

• Cheese Transformation

Gently dunk each cheese slice through the flour, egg, and bread crumb stations. Make sure every inch gets a luxurious coating that’ll crisp up beautifully.

• Waffle Iron Magic

Spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray. Carefully place coated cheese slices inside, closing the lid. In about a minute, you’ll have crispy, melty cheese squares that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Serving Spectacle

Transfer your golden cheese squares to a plate. Pair with zesty salsa or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor punch.

Variations for Waffle Iron “Fried” Cheese You’ll Love

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Cheese Selection Magic: Experiment with different cheese types like halloumi, provolone, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles and melting characteristics. Each cheese brings its own delightful texture and taste to the dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by modifying the paprika or cayenne in the flour mixture. For mild lovers, use sweet paprika; for heat seekers, add extra cayenne or mix in some chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Crumb Creativity: Try alternative coating options like crushed tortilla chips, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes for extra crunch and interesting textures. Each coating will give a different golden-brown exterior and unique flavor.
• Dipping Sauce Delight: Create exciting dipping companions like smoky chipotle mayo, fresh salsa verde, marinara sauce, or a zesty herb-infused ranch. These accompaniments can elevate the simple cheese to a gourmet appetizer.
• Storage Smart Tip: If you have leftovers (rare, but possible), reheat in the air fryer or toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the cheese rubbery and lose its crisp coating.

How to Serve Waffle Iron “Fried” Cheese in Style

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a vibrant cheese station with these crispy golden bites, surrounded by colorful dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy salsa verde.
• Appetizer Elegance: Serve these cheese squares as a sophisticated starter during cocktail parties, perfectly paired with chilled white wine or craft beer for a gourmet experience.
• Game Day Delight: Transform these crispy cheese squares into a crowd-pleasing snack for sports gatherings, presenting them on a large wooden board with fun garnishes and multiple dipping options.
• Quick Lunch Companion: Slice these cheesy squares and add them to salads or serve alongside a fresh green mix for a protein-packed midday meal that's both indulgent and satisfying.

Store Waffle Iron “Fried” Cheese to Keep It Crisp

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Portion Power: Divide your crispy cheese bites into single-serving sections for quick grab-and-go snacks during busy weekdays. Perfect for lunch boxes, afternoon munching, or unexpected guest surprises.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cheese bites in an airtight container, layering between parchment paper to prevent sticking. These delights will remain fresh for 2-3 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by warming cheese bites in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the bread crumbs soggy and compromise the delightful crunchy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Arrange uncooked, breaded cheese slices on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. When craving strikes, cook directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time for perfect golden crunch.

Crispy Waffle Iron Fried Cheese

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 11 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Colombian queso frito tempts cheese enthusiasts with crispy golden exteriors and molten centers. Sizzling directly from waffle iron to plate, this simple street snack delivers pure comfort for hungry diners seeking authentic Latin American flavors.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (226 g) mozzarella, sliced about ½ inch thick
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ½ cup (60 g) bread crumbs
• 3 tbsps (24 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Salsa, for serving (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat waffle iron to medium heat, lightly spraying with nonstick coating to prevent cheese adhesion.
2. Coating Setup: Arrange three distinct stations – seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and crisp bread crumbs – for comprehensive cheese coverage.
3. Dredging Process: Carefully coat mozzarella slices in flour, shaking off excess, then delicately dip into eggs, ensuring minimal dripping before rolling in bread crumbs for a uniform, crispy exterior.
4. Waffle Iron Placement: Position breaded cheese slices strategically inside the waffle iron, maintaining adequate spacing to guarantee even cooking and optimal crispiness.
5. Cooking Technique: Close waffle iron lid and cook for 60-90 seconds, monitoring until cheese achieves a rich golden-brown color and begins to melt enticingly.
6. Serving and Presentation: Carefully extract crispy cheese using heat-resistant utensils, transferring to a serving plate that showcases the melted edges and inviting texture.
7. Flavor Enhancement: Pair with zesty salsa or preferred dipping sauce to elevate the cheese’s rich flavor profile, and consider experimenting with alternative cheese varieties like cheddar or gouda for diverse taste experiences.

Notes

• Preheat Precisely: Ensure waffle iron reaches medium heat for consistent, golden-brown cheese crust without burning.
• Coating Technique: Layer flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs thoroughly to create a crispy, even exterior that locks in melted cheese.
• Space Strategically: Avoid overcrowding the waffle iron to guarantee uniform cooking and maximum crispiness for each cheese slice.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy right after cooking to experience the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and gooey, melted cheese interior.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 203
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 460 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 147 mg