Description
These Fried Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with cheesy flavor. Perfect as a party appetizer or a fun snack, these little bites are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture:
- 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
Coating:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
For Frying:
- Oil for deep-frying (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Make the cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Shape into balls: Scoop 1 tbsp of the mixture and roll into bite-sized balls. Place on a tray lined with parchment paper and freeze for 20–30 minutes.
- Coat: Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, double coat by dipping again in egg and breadcrumbs.
- Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan. Fry cheese balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain & serve: Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
Notes
- For a flavor twist, add herbs like parsley or basil to the cheese mixture.
- Ensure the cheese balls are well coated to prevent leakage while frying.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces like sriracha mayo or sweet chili sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
