Description
Crispy golden Fried Cheese Balls emerge as a mouthwatering appetizer that perfectly blends creamy cheese and crunchy exterior. Guests will savor these irresistible bites, which deliver a delightful combination of textures and flavors you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
Seasonings:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
- Optional: marinara or ranch for dipping
Instructions
- Blend sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
- Refrigerate cheese mixture for 15 minutes to firm up and enhance texture.
- Create seasoned flour coating by mixing dry ingredients with your preferred herbs and spices.
- Whisk eggs in a separate wide, shallow container until smooth and well-blended.
- Spread breadcrumbs evenly in a third dish, preparing for final coating.
- Using clean hands, gently shape chilled cheese mixture into uniform 1-inch spherical portions.
- Carefully roll each cheese ball through seasoned flour, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Submerge floured cheese balls into whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Roll egg-coated balls generously in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere crispy layer.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to precisely 350°F.
- Carefully lower breaded cheese balls into hot oil, frying in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried snacks onto paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and maintain crispness.
- Serve immediately alongside preferred dipping sauce while still piping hot and crunchy.
Notes
- Cheese Selection Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavor profiles, like adding parmesan or gouda for extra depth.
- Temperature Control Keep oil consistently at 350F to ensure golden, crispy exterior without burning the cheese balls.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version.
- Make-Ahead Tip Prepare cheese balls ahead and freeze uncooked, then fry directly from frozen for convenient party prep.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg