Slovak Fried Cheese with Tartar Sauce
Vyprážaný Syr
A beloved Slovak comfort food, this dish features thick slices of cheese, typically Eidam or Niva, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until golden and crispy. It's traditionally served with a side of tartar sauce and often french fries.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 slices (approx. 150g each) Cheese slices (Eidam, Niva, or similar semi-hard cheese), 1-1.5 cm thick
- 100 g All-purpose flour
- 2 Eggs, beaten
- 150 g Breadcrumbs
- enough for deep frying Vegetable oil or lard, for frying
- to taste Salt
- as needed Tartar sauce, for serving
- as needed French fries, for serving (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare your breading station: place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third. Season the flour lightly with salt.
💡 Tip: Ensure each component is well-separated for easy dipping. - 2
Pat the cheese slices dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better.
💡 Tip: Dry cheese is crucial for a good coating. - 3
Dredge each cheese slice first in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
💡 Tip: Coating evenly in flour creates a base for the egg wash. - 4
Dip the floured cheese slice into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Ensure the entire surface is covered.
💡 Tip: The egg wash acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs. - 5
Finally, coat the egg-covered cheese slice generously with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating for a thicker crust if desired.
💡 Tip: A double coating of breadcrumbs results in a crispier crust. - 6
Heat the vegetable oil or lard in a deep pan or deep fryer to about 170-180°C (340-350°F). Carefully place the breaded cheese slices into the hot oil, frying in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
💡 Tip: Maintain oil temperature for even cooking and crispiness. - 7
Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the breadcrumb coating is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey inside. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
💡 Tip: Watch carefully to prevent burning. - 8
Serve immediately with tartar sauce and french fries, if using.
💡 Tip: This dish is best enjoyed piping hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For easier handling and to prevent cheese leakage, you can freeze the breaded cheese slices for about 30 minutes before frying.
- ✓If using a softer cheese like Niva, be extra careful during frying as it melts more quickly.
- ✓Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the cheese; if the oil is too cool, the breading will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Serve with a side salad or pickled vegetables instead of french fries.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda or a mild cheddar.