| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 896 | 60g | 22g | 56g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 3g | 33g | 2.18g |
Why I Love Czech Fried Cheese with Cranberry Jam
I absolutely adore introducing my West Coast palate to flavors from across the globe. Therefore, it is with tremendous excitement and a joyful spirit in the kitchen that I share with you this recipe for a Czech specialty – Fried Cheese with Cranberry Jam. Don’t be alarmed by its simple name. This dish is nothing but a pure beacon of comfort food, fusing together creamy European cheese encased in a delightfully crispy golden crust, served alongside a sweet and tangy Cranberry Jam.
A Twist on a Classic Sandwich
Fried Cheese with Cranberry Jam steps up the game on a typical cheese sandwich, transforming it into an incredibly delectable treat. This delicious meal begins with thick slices of cheese – preferably Edam or Gouda – that are breaded and pan-fried into a crunchy outer shell that encases a gorgeously melty cheese center. These crispy, golden delights are then served in toasted bread buns, and meticulously garnished with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, a generous smear of mayonnaise, and completed with a serving of homemade Cranberry Jam. The contrast of flavors and textures is truly captivating!
Wholesome Child-Friendly Goodness
This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it is beloved by my three adopted children. As a long-time California resident, introducing my family to a balanced diet – one that encompasses both health-conscious choices as well as some necessary indulgences – is important for me. And this Fried Cheese with Cranberry Jam hits that sweet spot! It’s a playful and pleasurable way to involve kids in the kitchen and get them excited about trying new cuisines.
The divine Fried Cheese with Cranberry Jam recipe bearing rich Central European roots was introduced to me during my travels to Prague. Czech chef and cookbook author, Zdenek Pohlreich, was the clever mind behind this ingenious combination. His delicious version of this classic left me enamored, and inspired me to come up with my own take on it.
In essence, this recipe is a sublime blend of textures and flavors. With each bite, you experience the creaminess of the cheese, the crunchiness of breadcrumbs, the freshness of the lettuce and tomatoes, and the sublime sweetness of the cranberry jam. It’s a genuinely indulgent treat that sits beautifully alongside a healthy, active lifestyle.
What You’ll Need
- 6 slices of Edam or Gouda cheese (about 0.5 inch thick each)
- 1.5 cups of flour
- 1.5 cups of breadcrumbs
- 3 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups of vegetable oil for frying
- 6 bread buns
- 6 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 6 lettuce leaves
- 6 slices of tomato
- 1 cup of cranberry jam
Method
Step One
Start off by laying out the cheese slices on a tray that’s lined with parchment paper. Season each slice with salt and pepper to your preference.
Step Two
Take three separate shallow dishes. Pour the flour into the first one. Crack the eggs into the second one, then beat them until their yolks and whites are completely combined. Pour the breadcrumbs into the third dish.
Step Three
Now, start coating each cheese slice. Firstly, roll a slice in the flour, making sure all sides are covered. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring all areas are moistened. Finally, cover the cheese with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they adhere well. Repeat this procedure for all cheese slices.
Step Four
In a deep frying pan, heat up the vegetable oil over medium heat. You need a generous amount of oil for deep frying, ensuring a crispy and evenly cooked result.
Step Five
By using tongs, slowly lower the cheese slices into the hot oil. Fry each cheese until it’s golden brown and crispy, which should happen within about 2 or 3 minutes. Use the tongs to turn the cheese during frying, so all sides will cook evenly.
Step Six
Once the cheese is done frying, use the tongs to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will drain off any excess oil and keep the cheese slices crispy.
Step Seven
Now, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches. Slice open your bread buns and spread a tablespoon of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bun. Next, place a lettuce leaf, followed by a slice of fried cheese, then a slice of tomato and finally a generous spoonful of cranberry jam. Place the top half of the bun on the assembled ingredients and your sandwich is ready to be enjoyed.
Remember to repeat this for all buns and ingredients. Now your Fried Cheese with Cranberry Jam is ready to be served. Enjoy this delightful mix of crunchy, gooey, sweet and sharp flavours all in one bite.
