Smažený Sýr

About This Recipe

Smažený sýr ('fried cheese') is Czech vegetarian comfort food: a thick slab of Edam cheese breaded in seasoned flour, egg and breadcrumbs, then deep-fried until golden and oozing. Sold at every Czech pub and street stall, served with a generous helping of tartar sauce and chips. It's the dish that ranks alongside goulash as the most-ordered Czech pub food.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 400 gEdam cheese(in 4 thick slices, ~2 cm)
• 100 gplain flour
• 1/2 tspsalt
• 1/2 tspground black pepper
• 2eggs(beaten)
• 150 gfine dried breadcrumbs
• 1 tsppaprika(in the breadcrumbs)
• 500 mlvegetable oil(for frying)
• Tartar sauce, lemon wedges, chips, to serve

Instructions

1. 1

   Set up breading station

   One bowl seasoned flour, one bowl beaten eggs, one bowl breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.

2. 2

   Bread the cheese

   Coat each cheese slice in flour, dip in egg, then breadcrumbs. Repeat egg + breadcrumb dip again — double breading is essential to prevent leaks.

3. 3

   Rest in fridge

   Place breaded cheese on a tray. Refrigerate 20 min — chilling firms the coating and prevents the cheese exploding out.

4. 4

   Heat oil

   Heat oil in a deep pan to 175°C. Test with a breadcrumb — should sizzle immediately.

5. 5

   Fry

   Fry cheese 2 minutes per side — golden brown and starting to ooze slightly at the edges. Don't overfry or all the cheese will leak.

6. 6

   Drain

   Drain briefly on paper towel.

7. 7

   Serve

   Serve immediately with a generous side of tartar sauce, chips, lemon and pickled cucumbers.

Variations

• •

  Use Hermelín (Czech camembert) for a fancier version — same technique

• •

  Add herbs to the breadcrumbs (oregano, thyme) for variety

• •

  Bake instead of fry: 220°C for 12 minutes — less authentic but lighter

Storage

Best fresh. Reheat in oven only — never microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions