Cheese Chilli Recipe: A Spicy & Cheesy Delight

Cheese Chilli is a mouthwatering Indo-Chinese dish that combines the bold flavors of spicy chili sauce with the rich, creamy taste of melted cheese. It is a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a side dish for those who love fusion flavors. The dish features crispy paneer or cheese cubes tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce made with garlic, green chilies, and bell peppers.

In this blog, we will explore the step-by-step recipe for Cheese Chilli, along with variations, serving tips, and expert cooking hacks to make it restaurant-style at home!

Ingredients for Cheese Chilli (Serves 2-3 people)

For the Cheese Cubes:

• 200g cheese (Mozzarella or Processed Cheese, cut into cubes)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper powder
• ½ cup water
• Oil (for deep frying)

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tbsp garlic (finely chopped)
• 2 green chilies (slit or finely chopped)
• ½ cup onions (cubed)
• ½ cup capsicum (cubed)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp red chili sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
• ½ tbsp vinegar
• ½ tsp salt (adjust as per taste)
• ½ tsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornflour mixed with ¼ cup water (for thickening)
• ½ tsp black pepper powder
• 2 tbsp spring onions (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cheese Cubes

1. Cut cheese into bite-sized cubes and keep them aside.
2. In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornflour, salt, and black pepper powder.
3. Add water gradually and mix to form a smooth, lump-free batter.
4. Dip the cheese cubes in the batter, ensuring they are well coated.
5. Heat oil in a pan and deep-fry the cheese cubes until golden brown.
6. Remove and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan on medium heat.
2. Add chopped garlic and green chilies. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
3. Add cubed onions and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes to retain the crunch.
4. Pour in soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Mix well.
5. Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar (to balance flavors).
6. Stir in the cornflour slurry (cornflour mixed with water) and cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Mixing Everything Together

1. Add the crispy fried cheese cubes to the sauce and toss gently.
2. Make sure the cheese is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
3. Cook for just a minute to avoid the cheese melting completely.

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving

1. Garnish with chopped spring onions.
2. Serve hot with fried rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer.

Variations of Cheese Chilli

1. Paneer Cheese Chilli

• Replace cheese cubes with paneer for a protein-rich variation.

2. Dry Cheese Chilli

• Skip the cornflour slurry and keep the dish dry with just enough sauce to coat the cheese cubes.

3. Gravy Cheese Chilli

• Add extra water and cornstarch mixture to make a semi-thick gravy, perfect for serving with rice.

4. Cheese Chilli Toast

• Spread the prepared cheese chilli over toasted bread for a fusion snack.

5. Extra Cheesy Chilli

• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top before serving and let it melt slightly for a gooey texture.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheese Chilli

✅ Use mozzarella cheese for a stretchy and gooey texture. Processed cheese works well too.
✅ Keep the frying oil hot to prevent cheese from melting before turning crispy.
✅ Do not overcook the sauce; stir-frying veggies for just 2-3 minutes retains their crunch.
✅ Balance the flavors by adjusting the amount of vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar as per your taste.
✅ Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture before the cheese softens.

Cheese Chilli is a flavor-packed and easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of cheese and spice. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!