Waffle Iron "Fried" Cheese (Queso Frito) Recipe

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 10 minutes
• total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper

1/2 pound low-moisture mozzarella, sliced about 1/2 inch thick (see note)

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup bread crumbs

Nonstick cooking spray

Salsa, for serving (optional)

Directions

Preheat waffle iron. (Set it to medium if it has temperature controls.)

On a plate, mix flour with paprika or cayenne. Place eggs in a second plate or bowl and bread crumbs in a third. Working one slice at a time, coat cheese in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.

Spray both sides of waffle iron with nonstick spray, place as many cheese slices as will fit in waffle iron, and close lid. Cook until bread crumbs turn golden brown, about 1 minute. Repeat with any remaining cheese.

Serve hot on its own or with salsa for dipping.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Serves 4
• Calories: 167 kcal
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 104 mg
• Sodium: 203 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 17 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1 g
• Total Sugars: 4 g
• Protein: 9 g