Name: Fried Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella & cheddar); ½ cup cream cheese, softened; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp paprika (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular); Oil for deep-frying (vegetable or canola)

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 29 reviews

If there’s one irresistible snack that instantly brings a table to life, it has to be Fried Cheese Balls. Melty on the inside, beautifully crisp on the outside, these cheesy morsels are pure comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re gearing up for a game day feast or just want to treat yourself (because you absolutely should!), Fried Cheese Balls deliver crispy golden magic that’s impossibly easy to make at home. Gather your favorite dippers, call over your best friends, and let’s get frying — this is the one dish everyone will reach for first!

Fried Cheese Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Fried Cheese Balls recipe calls for simple, crowd-pleasing ingredients that each add something special: stretchy cheese, a creamy base, crunchy coating, and gentle seasonings. These basics blend together for the ultimate flavor and texture that makes every bite so satisfying.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show — offers that unforgettable gooey, elastic melt at the center of every ball.
Cream Cheese: Adds luscious creaminess that binds the filling and makes it ultra-smooth.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the first layer of coating, helping everything stick together.
Large Eggs (beaten): The backbone to a crispy crust, eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Choose panko for extra crunch, or use regular for a classic golden exterior.
Garlic Powder: A touch of fragrant warmth to enhance the cheese without overpowering it.
Paprika (optional): Just a pinch lends a pop of color and mild smokiness to the filling.
Salt & Black Pepper: Season generously for a filling that sings with flavor.
Oil for Deep-Frying: Use a neutral option like vegetable or canola oil for the best, crispest results.

How to Make Fried Cheese Balls

Step 1: Mix the Cheese Filling

Start by grabbing your biggest mixing bowl and add the shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spatula or even your hands to blend everything together until smooth and cohesive. This cheesy mixture needs to be uniform so each bite is equally decadent and flavorful.

Step 2: Shape Into Balls

With clean hands, scoop out about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture at a time, rolling each into a neat, bite-sized ball. Arrange the balls on a parchment-lined tray as you work. If the mixture feels sticky, dampen your palms to make shaping easier. Once done, pop the tray into the freezer for 20–30 minutes. Chilling is essential — it firms the balls so they don’t fall apart while frying.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Balls

Take three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each chilled cheese ball into the flour first, tap off excess, then into the egg, and finally roll generously in breadcrumbs for a full, crisp coating. For next-level crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating. This step ensures each Fried Cheese Ball fries up gorgeously golden with irresistible texture.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Pour oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pan and heat to 350°F (175°C). Once hot, fry the cheese balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Each batch should take around 2–3 minutes — you’ll know they’re done when they’re puffed and deeply golden on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the balls to a plate lined with paper towels, letting any excess oil drain off.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Serve your Fried Cheese Balls piping hot, surrounded by your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. The contrast of that crisp coating with the oozy cheese center is absolute heaven. Now, try to resist sneaking one before sharing — good luck!

How to Serve Fried Cheese Balls

Garnishes

Fried Cheese Balls are delightful as they come, but a flurry of chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, or a light dusting of smoked paprika can make them pop visually and add a touch of extra flavor. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, drizzle on some hot honey for an unexpected, sweet-and-savory twist.

Side Dishes

Pair your Fried Cheese Balls with a crisp green salad, tangy pickles, or even a spread of roasted vegetables for a balanced party platter. If you’re serving at a gathering, set them alongside other snackable favorites like buffalo wings, sliders, or potato wedges — you’ll be amazed at how quickly they disappear.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation to the next level by threading Fried Cheese Balls onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a playful, party-ready snack. For a cocktail party, stack them high on a platter with colorful toothpicks and small bowls of assorted dips or serve them in paper cones for an easy, crowd-friendly handheld treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Fried Cheese Balls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days — though they’re so good, they often vanish well before then!

Freezing

Fried Cheese Balls freeze beautifully, either before or after frying. To freeze before frying, coat the shaped balls and freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time. If already fried, freeze on a baking sheet until hard, then pack into freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to a month and are a lifesaver for last-minute snack cravings.

Reheating

To revive their fresh-out-of-the-fryer crispiness, reheat leftover Fried Cheese Balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or until hot and crunchy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy. Air fryers also work wonders for quick, even reheating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for Fried Cheese Balls?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is classic for its amazing melt, try blending in cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for new flavors and textures. Just aim for cheeses that melt well for that signature gooey center.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry?

Yes, you can bake Fried Cheese Balls at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spraying them lightly with cooking spray. They’ll take 15–18 minutes and won’t be quite as golden and crisp as fried, but they’re still delicious and lighter.

Can I make Fried Cheese Balls in advance?

For the best results, prepare and shape the cheese balls ahead of time, then keep them frozen until ready to coat and fry. This lets you serve them hot and crispy any time the craving strikes or guests arrive unexpectedly.

Why did my cheese balls leak cheese in the oil?

This usually means the coating wasn’t thick or even enough. Double-coating with egg and breadcrumbs creates a stronger seal. Also, make sure to fry the cheese balls straight from the freezer or well chilled to prevent melting too quickly.

Which dips pair best with Fried Cheese Balls?

Classic marinara sauce is a longtime favorite, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo are fantastic with Fried Cheese Balls. Experiment with your own creations and let your guests pick their favorites!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about bringing people together over a warm plate of Fried Cheese Balls. Whether it’s a cozy night in or the centerpiece of your next party spread, you’ll love how this recipe transforms basic ingredients into something that sparks big smiles and happy seconds. Don’t wait for an excuse — whip up a batch soon and find out why these cheesy bites are impossible to resist!