Entree: Slovakia – National Cuisine – Vyprážaný syr (Fried cheese)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 20 min

Additional 40 min

Total 1 hr 25 min

Ingredients

- 8 slices (approx. 1 lb / 450 g total; each slice about 2 oz / 55 g) Edam or young Gouda cheese
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten, about 165 g
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) fine dry breadcrumbs (plain or panko for extra crispness)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil for shallow frying per half batch (adjust as needed) or 2–3 cups (480–720 ml) for deeper frying
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp (15 g) cornstarch or extra flour, optional (for a firmer dredge)
- 1.5 lb (700 g) potatoes, peeled and cut into fries (for serving)
- 1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp (30 g) chopped pickles (gherkin)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15 g) chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat cheese slices dry with paper towels. Optional: lightly dust each slice with 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch or flour to help the egg stick.
2. Step 2: Set up a dredging station: plate of flour (1 cup / 120 g), shallow bowl with beaten eggs (3 large), and plate of breadcrumbs (1 1/2 cups / 150 g). Season flour and breadcrumbs with a little salt and pepper.
3. Step 3: Chill the cheese slices on a tray in the freezer for 20–30 minutes; chilled cheese fries more cleanly and holds shape.
4. Step 4: Dredge each chilled slice in flour, shake off excess, dip in beaten egg, then press into breadcrumbs. For a thicker crust (traditional in many homes), repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more. Place breaded slices on a tray and chill 10 minutes to set.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, prepare fries: rinse cut potatoes under cold water, pat dry, toss with a little oil and salt, and either deep-fry at 325–350°F (160–175°C) until golden and crisp, or oven-bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–35 minutes, turning once.
6. Step 6: Heat 1/2 cup (120 ml) oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat (or fill a pot with 2–3 cups / 480–720 ml oil for deeper frying) to 350°F (175°C). Fry breaded cheese slices 1–2 at a time 1.5–3 minutes per side, until deeply golden and the cheese inside is molten but not leaking excessively. Adjust heat to prevent over-browning.
7. Step 7: Transfer fried cheese to paper towels to drain. Season lightly with salt. Warm in a low oven (200°F / 95°C) briefly if needed to keep crisp while finishing remaining slices.
8. Step 8: Make tartar-style sauce by combining mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice and chopped parsley; season to taste.
9. Step 9: Serve Vyprážaný syr hot with oven-fresh or fried fries and tartar sauce, plus lemon wedges on the side.