These golden cheese balls are a delightful appetizer or snack, perfect for parties or casual gatherings. They’re crispy on the outside, gooey and cheesy on the inside, and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (or a mix of Cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- For Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded Cheddar, Mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Add the softened cream cheese, flour, parsley (or Italian seasoning), garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is cohesive.
- Form the Cheese Balls:
- Take about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it into a small, even ball.
- Place the formed cheese balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- If the mixture is to soft to handle, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.
- Set up the Breading Station:
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Cheese Balls:
- First, roll each cheese ball in the flour, ensuring it’s completely coated.
- Next, dip the floured ball into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, roll the egg-dipped ball in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
- Place the breaded cheese balls back on the parchment lined plate.
- Fry the Cheese Balls:
- Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan over medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C).
- Carefully drop a few cheese balls at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the cheese balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the golden cheese balls immediately while they’re still warm and gooey.
- They can be served with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped jalapeños or cooked bacon to the cheese mixture.
- You can also bake the cheese balls instead of frying. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- For a stronger parmesan flavour, increase the amount of parmesan cheese.
- Make sure oil is hot enough, or the cheese balls will absorb too much oil.
- If you are having problems with the cheese melting out of the breading, double bread the cheese balls. Dip into flour, egg, breadcrumbs, then repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.