Crispy Fried Emmentaler

Golden-crusted fried cheese slices that stay melty inside—a beloved Austrian appetizer ready in 10 minutes. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon.

indulgentsimpleaustrianvegetariangluten-freecrispymeltyappetizer

Ingredients

1
Crack the egg into a shallow bowl and whisk it with a fork until the white and yolk are fully blended and the mixture looks pale and uniform, about 30 seconds.
2
Pour the cornstarch onto a flat plate and season it with a small pinch of salt and pepper, then stir the two together with a fork until evenly mixed.
3
Pat each cheese slice dry on both sides using a paper towel, so the coating will stick better.
4
Dip one cheese slice into the beaten egg, coating both sides completely, then lift it out and place it on the cornstarch plate.
5
Turn the slice over in the cornstarch, pressing gently so the coating adheres, then place it on a clean plate—repeat with remaining cheese slices.
6
Place a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of oil; wait 90 seconds until the oil shimmers and moves quickly when you tilt the pan.
7
Lay 2 cheese slices into the hot oil in a single layer—they should sizzle immediately; listen for a steady sizzle sound.
8
Cook the first batch for 90 seconds without moving them, until the bottom is deep golden brown and the cheese begins to peek out at the edges.
9
Flip each slice carefully using a thin spatula and cook the other side for 60 seconds until it is also deep golden brown, then slide onto a plate.
10
Repeat steps 7–9 with the remaining cheese slices, adding more oil if needed.
11
Serve all slices immediately while still hot and the cheese inside is melting, about 2 minutes before it cools and firms.

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