Description
Golden fried cheese balls feature a crispy, golden exterior with a creamy, gooey cheese center. Quick to prepare and crowd-pleasing, these bite-sized snacks or appetizers combine a perfectly crunchy crust with melty cheese, ideal for any gathering or cheesy craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz mozzarella or cheddar cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives), spices (garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes)
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups bread crumbs (panko or regular)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying (about 2-3 cups)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Grate your chosen cheese and mix it with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices to create a flavorful core.
- Form Cheese Balls: Roll small portions of the cheese mixture tightly into bite-sized balls, approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring they are compact for frying.
- Set up the Breading Station: Arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs for coating.
- Coat Each Ball: Roll each cheese ball in flour, dip into egg, then coat with bread crumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and bread crumbs step once more.
- Fry the Cheese Balls: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to around 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the coated balls in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Remove fried balls with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil, and serve warm for the best gooey cheese experience.
Notes
- Chill formed cheese balls in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before breading to keep them firm.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) to prevent excess oil absorption and ensure a crispy crust.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain consistent cooking.
- Use fresh bread crumbs for optimum crispiness.
- Serve immediately or reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore crunchiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 cheese balls (approx. 90g)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: fried cheese balls, crispy cheese balls, appetizer, snack, mozzarella cheese balls, cheddar cheese balls, party snacks