Description
These Crispy Fried Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer that’s better than takeout! Made with a flavorful blend of cheeses and spices, coated in crunchy bread crumbs, and fried to golden perfection, they make a perfect party snack or starter. Serve hot with marinara sauce and fresh basil for a mouthwatering treat everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups grated cheese or vegan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 6-8 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside to hold the cheese balls after coating.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Use a hand mixer to mix until fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform.
- Form cheese balls: Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into small, even-sized balls using your hands for consistency.
- Coat with bread crumbs: Coat each cheese ball evenly in bread crumbs, ensuring they are fully covered, then place them on the prepared parchment-lined tray.
- Chill: Refrigerate the coated cheese balls for 30 to 45 minutes to allow them to firm up and maintain their shape during frying.
- Prepare for frying: Line another tray with paper towels to drain the excess oil after frying.
- Heat oil: In a deep pot, heat 6 to 8 cups of vegetable oil to a temperature of 350–355°F (175–180°C); use a kitchen thermometer to ensure accurate temperature for perfect frying.
- Fry cheese balls: Fry 4 to 5 cheese balls at a time carefully in the hot oil until golden brown, about 30 seconds on each side. Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain excess oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried cheese balls from the oil and place them on the paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried cheese balls immediately with marinara sauce and fresh basil for a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for richer flavor and better melting quality.
- Ensure the oil temperature is maintained at 350–355°F to avoid greasy cheese balls.
- You can substitute bread crumbs with panko for even crispier coating.
- Refrigerating the cheese balls before frying helps to keep them from falling apart in the oil.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste as cheese balls tend to soften over time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
