Cașcaval Pane (Breaded Fried Cheese)
Local name: Cașcaval pane
In short: Thick slices of semi-hard cheese in a double crumb coating, fried until crisp and melting, a classic Romanian pub starter with cranberry sauce. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 10 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 590 kcal
Cașcaval pane is the starter Romanians order at pubs and restaurants without a second thought: thick slices of firm cheese, coated in crumbs and fried until the outside crackles and the inside melts. It is eaten with a spoonful of tart fruit sauce, which cuts through the richness. Chilling the breaded slices before frying is the one step that keeps the cheese from leaking.
Instructions
- Pat the cheese slices dry and put them in the freezer for 15 minutes, until firm but not frozen. Set out three shallow dishes with the flour, the beaten eggs and the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each slice in flour, then egg, then crumbs. Dip it into the egg and crumbs a second time, pressing so there are no gaps, especially at the edges.
- Place the breaded slices on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes. A cold, firm coating is what stops the cheese leaking in the oil.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet or pot to 180°C (350°F). Fry 3 slices at a time for about 1 minute per side, until deep golden. Lift them out at the first sign of cheese bubbling through.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels and serve right away with cranberry sauce and lemon.
Tips
- Keep the slices cold until the oil is ready. If the oil is too cool the coating soaks it up and the cheese leaks before the crust sets.
- To skip deep frying, spray the breaded slices with oil and cook in an air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once.
Questions and answers
What cheese works best for cașcaval pane?
A firm, mild, melting cheese such as cașcaval, kashkaval, Edam, Gouda or provolone. Avoid fresh, wet cheeses such as mozzarella, which leak.
Why did my cheese leak out while frying?
The coating was too thin, the slices were not chilled, or the oil was not hot enough. Double-coat the slices, chill them well and fry at 180°C (350°F).
Can I bread the cheese ahead of time?
Yes. Bread the slices and freeze them on a tray, then bag them for up to a month. Fry straight from the freezer for about 2 minutes per side.
How long does it take to make Cașcaval Pane (Breaded Fried Cheese)?
About 35 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Cașcaval Pane (Breaded Fried Cheese)?
About 590 kcal per serving, with 33 g of protein, 31 g of carbohydrates and 38 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 590 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 33 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
