Ingredients:

  • 12 Babybel cheeses, unwrapped (170g / 6 oz)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g / 2.1 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten (approx. 100g)
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (75g / 2.6 oz)
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (25g / 0.9 oz)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a pot 2-3 inches deep)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml / 0.5 fl oz)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (approx. 6g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (411g)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Unwrap Babybel cheeses and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm them up and prevent complete meltdowns during frying.
  2. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Keep warm.
  3. In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour mixture (flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper), beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumb mixture (panko, parmesan).
  4. Remove Babybels from the freezer. One at a time, dredge each Babybel in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Double breading is recommended. Place breaded Babybels back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop a few breaded Babybels into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 30-60 seconds per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Work quickly!
  6. Remove fried Babybels with a slotted spoon or spider and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve immediately with warm spicy marinara sauce for dipping. Enjoy these fried babybel cheese!