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- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend) - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large egg, beaten - Oil for frying To make crispy cheese balls, gather these simple ingredients. You will need a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. This blend gives a great taste and melt. Softened cream cheese adds creaminess and binds the mixture well. For crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They make the outside crispy. Fresh parsley brings a nice touch of color and flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth to the cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper to make it pop. You will need one egg, beaten for coating the balls before frying. Lastly, oil is essential for frying. It helps achieve that golden, crunchy crust. Remember, quality ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Enjoy the process of making these delicious cheese balls! {{ingredient_image_1}} In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cheese with 1 cup of softened cream cheese. This blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives a great flavor. Add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh parsley. Then, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Finally, sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until it blends well. You want a smooth, creamy mix that holds together. Now it’s time to shape the mixture. Use your hands to scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mix. Roll it into a ball, using gentle pressure. You should make about 20 balls from the mixture. Make sure they are even in size. This helps them cook evenly later on. Set the formed cheese balls aside on a plate. For the breading, place 1 cup of breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Beat 1 large egg in another bowl. Dip each cheese ball into the egg, coating it fully. Then, roll it in the breadcrumbs to cover it well. In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles, you’re good to go! Carefully add a few cheese balls to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they brown evenly. Once golden brown, use a slotted spoon to take them out and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy! For the best flavor and texture, use a blend of cheeses. I love a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar gives a sharp taste, while mozzarella melts beautifully. Cream cheese adds a rich creaminess that binds everything. This mix keeps the cheese balls flavorful yet gooey inside. To get that extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are coarser and crisp up better than regular breadcrumbs. Before frying, make sure to coat the balls well in breadcrumbs. Fry them in hot oil, around 350°F. Frying them in small batches helps keep the oil hot. This ensures they cook evenly and stay crispy. One common mistake is overcrowding the pan. If you add too many cheese balls at once, they will steam instead of fry. This can make them soggy. Also, always check if your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil isn’t hot, the cheese balls can soak up oil and become greasy. Use a thermometer or test with a breadcrumb piece. If it sizzles, you’re ready to go! Pro Tips Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the cheese mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming the balls. This helps them hold their shape while frying. Double Frying: For an extra crispy texture, fry the cheese balls twice. Fry them until golden, let them cool, and then fry again for a minute. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cheeses or add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick. Drain Properly: Make sure to drain the cheese balls on paper towels to absorb excess oil, keeping them crispy and not greasy. {{image_2}} To make spicy cheese balls, add chopped jalapeños. Use about 1/4 cup of fresh jalapeños for a nice kick. Mix them into the cheese blend before forming the balls. This adds warmth and flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. These spicy bites pair well with cool ranch or sour cream dips. Herbs can change the flavor of your cheese balls. Try adding fresh basil or oregano. About 2 tablespoons of finely chopped herbs works well. Mix them in with the other ingredients for a fresh taste. Basil adds a sweet note, while oregano gives a more savory flavor. You can even experiment with thyme or rosemary for a unique twist. Adding extras makes cheese balls even more tasty. Cooked and crumbled bacon is a great choice. Use about 1/2 cup for a smoky flavor. Chopped chives add a mild onion taste. Mix these extras into the cheese mixture for a fun surprise. These variations add crunch and depth to every bite, making your cheese balls truly special. To store leftover cheese balls, place them in an airtight container. Line the bottom with paper towels to absorb moisture. This helps keep them fresh and crispy. Make sure to seal the container tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also separate layers with paper towels to prevent sticking. When reheating cheese balls, use an oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are warm and crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy. You can also pan-fry them briefly in a little oil to regain crispiness. To freeze cheese balls, first let them cool completely. Arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. Once frozen, transfer the balls to a freezer bag. Be sure to label the bag with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to use, cook them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time. Yes, you can bake crispy cheese balls. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). After you bread the balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown. This method gives a different texture, but they will still taste great. Cheese balls go well with many sauces. Here are some tasty options: - Marinara sauce for a classic touch. - Ranch dressing for a creamy dip. - Spicy buffalo sauce for kick. - Honey mustard for a sweet twist. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combo! You can prepare cheese balls a day in advance. After shaping them, cover with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend. You can also freeze them before frying. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before cooking. This way, you can have fresh-tasting cheese balls ready when you need them! In this post, we covered the key ingredients for crispy cheese balls, including cheeses, seasonings, and frying tips. You learned step-by-step instructions for making them, from mixing the cheese to frying. We also shared helpful tips to avoid common mistakes and variations to try. Finally, we discussed storage and reheating for best results. Now, enjoy making your cheese balls. Experiment and find your perfect flavor!

Crispy Cheese Balls

Deliciously crunchy cheese balls made with a blend of cheeses and herbs, perfect for snacking.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 20
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella blend)
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • as needed oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheese and cream cheese until well blended.
  • Add the parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until fully incorporated.
  • With your hands, scoop a tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used. You should make about 20 balls.
  • Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each ball into the beaten egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
  • In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of the breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
  • Carefully add the cheese balls to the hot oil, frying a few at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Serve warm and enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara or ranch.

Notes

Serve with marinara or ranch dipping sauces.
Keyword appetizer, cheese balls, snack