Entree: Czechia – Central Culinary Region – Smažený sýr (Breaded and deep-fried semi‑hard cheese served hot, typically with potatoes and tartar sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 15 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 4 slices (approx. 3.5 oz / 100 g each) Edam or young gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten (approx. 100 g)
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) plain dry breadcrumbs
- 2 cups (475 ml) vegetable oil for frying
- 1 lb (454 g) potatoes, peeled and cut for boiling or 1 lb (454 g) frozen fries
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp (30 g) finely chopped pickles or cornichons
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1 tbsp (15 g) capers, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
- 2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Set up three shallow bowls: flour seasoned with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Pat each cheese slice dry and press slightly to compact.
2. Dredge each cheese slice first in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. For an extra crispy crust, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.
3. Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C) or a small breadcrumb sizzles and browns in 10–15 seconds. Fry cheese slices 1–2 at a time until golden brown on both sides, about 1–2 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and keep warm.
4. Meanwhile, cook potatoes according to preference: boil until tender and toss with a little butter or fry frozen fries until crisp.
5. Make tartar sauce by stirring together mayonnaise, chopped pickles, lemon juice, and capers. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Serve the fried cheese immediately with potatoes, lemon wedges, chopped parsley, and tartar sauce on the side.