Cheese Balls
Delicious, crispy, and cheesy bites that are perfect for any occasion, including movie nights and festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella or a mix) Use your preferred cheese blend.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened Let it sit at room temperature for easier blending.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Coating & Frying
- 1 each egg, beaten For egg wash.
- as needed Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil) Use enough oil to deep fry the balls.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF option) Panko breadcrumbs can be used for added crunch.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded cheese, cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian herbs, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Blend well until a homogeneous mixture forms (about 2-3 minutes).
- Scoop out a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Continue shaping the rest until you've used up all the mixture.
- Spread breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each cheese ball in the beaten egg, letting excess drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumbs until well-coated.
Cooking
- In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat (about 375°F). Ensure the oil is hot before adding the cheese balls.
- Carefully lower the cheese balls into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are golden brown and bubbling.
- Once cooked, transfer the cheese balls onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Notes
Serve warm. For presentation, arrange on a platter with fresh herbs or a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. Consider adding chili flakes for heat or serving on toothpicks for easy snacking.