Description
Crispy cheese balls are a golden, crunchy snack or appetizer filled with melty, gooey cheese. They’re quick to make and perfect for any gathering or as a treat for yourself.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ranch or garlic sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Take small portions of the cheese mixture and roll them into balls, placing each on a baking sheet. Freeze the cheese balls for about 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Roll each chilled cheese ball in the flour, dip in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully fry the cheese balls for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cheese balls from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Serve the crispy cheese balls warm, drizzled with ranch or garlic sauce and garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- Cheese Choices: You can substitute mozzarella and cheddar with Gouda, Parmesan, or spicy pepper jack for different flavors.
- Add Herbs: Mix in some dried oregano or thyme to the cheese mixture for added flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Baked Version: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes for a less greasy, but still delicious option.
- Storage: Store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy texture, or in a skillet with a small amount of oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
