Who can resist the crispy exterior and gooey interior of delicious cheese balls? This simple yet delightful snack has a long-standing reputation for being a crowd-pleaser at parties, gatherings, or even as a cozy night-in treat.

Originating from Italy, cheese balls have found their way into kitchens worldwide, each cook adding their own twist to the classic recipe.

Crafting these delectable cheese balls is surprisingly easy, making them a perfect option for beginners looking to impress their guests or simply indulge in a cheesy delight. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these golden orbs of cheesy goodness in no time.

Despite its simplicity, the process of creating cheese balls offers ample room for creativity and customization. From the choice of cheese to the seasoning blend, each component contributes to the overall flavor profile, resulting in a snack that is both comforting and addictive.

Expert Tip: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the cheese balls to achieve a crispy exterior. Test it by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.

Ingredients

Mozzarella Cheese: The heart of the cheese balls is, unsurprisingly, cheese. I opt for Mozzarella due to its unique combination of taste and texture. Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving the balls their gooey, irresistible interior. Its mild flavour allows the additional spices to shine while adding a creamy, slightly tangy touch.  

Plain Flour: Flour is a key ingredient in this recipe as it helps to coat the cheese balls, allowing the eggs and breadcrumbs to adhere better to the surface.  

Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs form the outermost layer, providing that essential crunch to contrast the melty cheese. They also help to seal in the cheese, preventing it from leaking out during the frying process.  

Eggs: Eggs act as the glue between the flour and the breadcrumbs. They create a moisture barrier that helps the breadcrumbs stick, ensuring an even coating that will get perfectly crispy when fried. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, a mixture of flaxseed and water can serve a similar purpose. 

Spices and herbs: These seasonings infuse the cheese with flavour. Dried oregano adds an earthy, slightly sweet and bitter taste, while garlic powder brings a savoury depth.  

Vegetable Oil: The frying medium of choice, vegetable oil, has a high smoke point, which makes it suitable for deep frying. It also has a neutral flavour that doesn’t interfere with the taste of the cheese balls. Alternatives include canola or peanut oil. 

Expert Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the cheese balls. Fry them in small batches to prevent them from sticking together and ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy the cheese balls hot and fresh out of the fryer, paired with your favorite dipping sauce such as marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even ranch dressing.
• Serve them as appetizers at your next gathering or party, alongside other finger foods and snacks for a crowd-pleasing spread.
• For a fun twist, serve the cheese balls as part of a DIY appetizer bar, allowing guests to customize their toppings and sauces for a personalized culinary experience.

Expert Tip: For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or finely chopped herbs to the breadcrumb coating mixture before rolling the cheese balls.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out while frying?

To prevent the cheese from leaking out during frying, make sure to refrigerate the cheese balls for at least 10 minutes before coating them. This helps firm up the cheese, reducing the likelihood of it melting too quickly in the hot oil.

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses can work well in this recipe, offering unique flavor profiles and textures.

Can I bake the cheese balls instead of frying them?

While frying yields the crispiest results, you can bake the cheese balls in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. However, keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different compared to fried cheese balls.

How should I store leftover cheese balls?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven until warmed through and crispy.

Can I freeze the cheese balls before frying?

Yes, you can freeze the cheese balls after shaping them but before coating them. Place the shaped cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before coating and frying as directed.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Fried Mashed Potato Balls
• Potato Pops
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Cheesy Potato Quesadillas
• Cheesy Potato Croquettes

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Cheese Balls

by Nabeela Kauser

These cheese balls are ideal for serving at parties or as kids' snacks. Cheesy, crunchy, and delicious, they are easily customisable. The irresistible combination of a crunchy outer crumb and a gooey cheesy centre make them a crowd favourite.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Refrigeration Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetiser

Cuisine American, Western

Servings 6

Calories 195 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 200 g Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
• ▢ 1/2 cup Plain Flour
• ▢ 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
• ▢ 2 large Eggs
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• ▢ 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• ▢ Salt To taste
• ▢ Black Pepper To taste
• ▢ Vegetable Oil For frying

Instructions

• In a bowl, combine shredded mozzarella cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Take small amounts of the cheese mixture and shape them into balls. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
• Prepare three separate bowls for plain flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
• Coat each cheese ball with the plain flour, dip them in the beaten eggs, and roll them in the breadcrumbs.
• Heat a deep pan with sufficient vegetable oil for deep-frying the cheese balls. Once the oil is hot, add the cheese balls in small batches and fry until golden brown, which usually takes 2-3 minutes.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried cheese balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
• Serve the fried cheese balls hot with your preferred dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or garlic aioli.

Notes

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 195kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 12gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 296mgPotassium: 77mgFibre: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 305IUVitamin C: 0.003mgVitamin D: 0.4µgCalcium: 195mgIron: 1mg

Keyword After School Snacks, Cheese, Finger Food, Kids Snacks, Party, Party Food, Snack

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