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Crispy St Patrick’s Day Pork Bites Recipe Easy Homemade Cheddar Herb Snacks

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These crispy pork bites feature a golden crunchy exterior with a melty cheddar cheese center and fresh herbs, perfect for St Patrick’s Day or any celebration. Quick and easy to make, they are a crowd-pleasing snack with bold flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying (about 1 cup)

Instructions

  1. Trim pork tenderloin and cut into roughly 1-inch cubes. Cut sharp cheddar into slightly smaller cubes, about ¾ inch.
  2. In a small bowl, combine parsley, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Toss pork cubes with the herb seasoning mix until well-coated.
  4. Assemble pork bites by pressing a cheddar cube between two pork cubes, gently pressing edges to sandwich the cheese inside.
  5. Set up coating stations: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third.
  6. Roll each pork-cheddar bite in flour, tapping off excess, then dip into beaten egg, and roll in panko breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and panko step once more for extra crunch.
  7. Heat oil in a skillet to about 350°F (175°C), enough to cover pork bites halfway.
  8. Fry pork bites in batches without overcrowding, about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 145°F/63°C).
  9. Drain bites on paper towels and let rest for a minute or two before serving.

Notes

Maintain oil temperature between 340-350°F for best results. Double coating with egg and panko creates extra crunch. Let coated bites rest 10 minutes before frying to help coating adhere. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent soggy bites. Cheese cubes should be smaller than pork cubes to prevent leaking. Can bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes as a healthier alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork bites, crispy pork snacks, cheddar herb snacks, St Patrick’s Day recipe, easy pork appetizer, homemade pork bites, cheddar stuffed pork

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