Honey Glazed Fried Manchego Cheese

Recipe courtesy Chuck Hughes

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 5

Ingredients

• 1  cup all-purpose flour
• 1  egg, lightly beaten
• 1  cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1⁄2 lb manchego cheese, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
•  canola oil, for frying
•  honey, for drizzling
•  smoked paprika, for sprinkling

Directions

1. Place the flour, egg, and panko bread crumbs in 3 separate dishes.
2. Dip the cheese cubes into each ingredient to coat, starting with the flour and ending with the panko.
3. Preheat the canola oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F, (or in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour enough oil to fill the pan about a third of the way. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 375 degrees F.) If you don't have a thermometer, a cube of bread will brown in about 3 minutes.
4. Add the breaded cheese to the hot oil, in batches, and deep fry until the cubes are crisp and golden.
5. Remove the cheese from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet to absorb the excess oil. Transfer the cheese to a serving platter, drizzle with the honey, and dust with the paprika.