Cheese Frenchies
If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic treat that combines crispy, cheesy goodness with a touch of comfort, look no further than Cheese Frenchies. This delightful dish takes the classic concept of French toast and gives it a savory twist, resulting in a crispy exterior filled with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a fun snack, Cheese Frenchies are sure to become a favorite in your household. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, let’s dive into this cheesy delight!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Cheese Frenchies are not just indulgent; they are also incredibly versatile and easy to make. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll have Cheese Frenchies ready in no time.
- Crispy Texture: The Ritz cracker coating gives each piece a satisfying crunch, elevating the classic cheese sandwich.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melty American cheese creates a gooey center that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or swap out ingredients to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids, making it a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen.
What Goes Into Cheese Frenchies
To create these delicious Cheese Frenchies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 50 Ritz crackers: Pulsed in a food processor to make coarse crumbs.
- 2/3 cup milk: This adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for creating a rich custard-like mixture.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and enhances the flavor profile.
- 8 slices hearty white sandwich bread: Provides the base for our cheesy filling.
- 6 slices American cheese: The star ingredient that melts beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Hardware & Gadgets
To make your Cheese Frenchies, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Food processor: To pulse the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs.
- Mixing bowl: For whisking together the milk, eggs, and mayonnaise.
- Frying pan: A non-stick pan works best for frying the Frenchies.
- Spatula: To flip the Frenchies and ensure even cooking.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Method: Cheese Frenchies
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your Cheese Frenchies:
Step 1: Prepare the Ritz Cracker Coating
In a food processor, pulse 50 Ritz crackers until you achieve coarse crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow dish and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Take 4 slices of hearty white sandwich bread and layer 1 slice of American cheese on each. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread to create 4 sandwiches.
Step 4: Dip the Sandwiches
Carefully dip each sandwich into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
Step 5: Coat with Ritz Cracker Crumbs
Dredge each custard-coated sandwich in the Ritz cracker crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Make sure each sandwich is evenly coated for that perfect crunch.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
In a frying pan, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
Step 7: Fry the Frenchies
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated sandwiches in the pan. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Flip with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Step 8: Drain and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the Cheese Frenchies to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Cut each sandwich into triangles or quarters for easy serving.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps
Feel free to get creative with your Cheese Frenchies! Here are some seasonal swaps to consider:
- Herbed Cream Cheese: Swap out American cheese for herbed cream cheese for a flavorful twist.
- Spinach: Add fresh spinach leaves inside the sandwich for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Spicy Jalapeños: Incorporate sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Tomato Slices: Add fresh tomato slices for a refreshing taste during summer.
Mistakes Even Pros Make
Even seasoned chefs can make mistakes when preparing Cheese Frenchies. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Not letting the oil heat up enough can result in soggy Frenchies instead of crispy ones.
- Skipping the custard soaking step may lead to dry sandwiches.
- Using too much or too little coating can affect the crunchiness.
- Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, making unevenly cooked Frenchies.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To enjoy your Cheese Frenchies at their best, follow these tips:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven to restore crispiness.
- Freeze assembled but uncooked sandwiches for a quick meal later. Just fry them straight from the freezer, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Cheese Frenchies FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for Cheese Frenchies?
Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for different flavors and textures.
Can I bake Cheese Frenchies instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated sandwiches on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
How do I make Cheese Frenchies gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the hearty white sandwich bread with your favorite gluten-free bread and use gluten-free crackers to create the coating.
What can I serve with Cheese Frenchies?
Pair your Cheese Frenchies with a side of marinara sauce, ketchup, or even a fresh salad for a balanced meal. They also make a fun appetizer for parties!
Next Steps
Now that you have the recipe for Cheese Frenchies, it’s time to get cooking! Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family over, and enjoy the process of making this deliciously cheesy treat. Whether you serve them for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, Cheese Frenchies are sure to please everyone.
Cheese Frenchies are a fun, easy, and delicious way to bring a little joy to your mealtime. With their crispy crust and melty filling, they offer a comforting taste of nostalgia that everyone will love. So, grab those Ritz crackers and get ready to create a mouthwatering dish that’s bound to become a staple in your home. Happy cooking!
Cheese Frenchies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Ritz Cracker Coating: In a food processor, pulse 50 Ritz crackers until you achieve coarse crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow dish and set aside.
- Make the Custard Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup of milk, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Take 4 slices of hearty white sandwich bread and layer 1 slice of American cheese on each. Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread to create 4 sandwiches.
- Dip the Sandwiches: Carefully dip each sandwich into the custard mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated.
- Coat with Ritz Cracker Crumbs: Dredge each custard-coated sandwich in the Ritz cracker crumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Make sure each sandwich is evenly coated for that perfect crunch.
- Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Fry the Frenchies: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated sandwiches in the pan. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Flip with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the Cheese Frenchies to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Cut each sandwich into triangles or quarters for easy serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven to restore crispiness.
- Freeze uncooked sandwiches for a quick meal later; fry straight from the freezer.
