These fried cheese balls are little bites of happiness! Crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, they make a perfect snack or party treat. Who can resist cheese, right?
Whenever I make them, my friends gather around, just waiting for that first hot bite. I like to serve them with a dip—sometimes spicy, sometimes creamy—just for fun! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella gives these balls their classic stretchy texture. You can try other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack if you want a kick!
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create a nice coating, but if you’re gluten-free, use rice flour or a gluten-free blend instead. It works just as well for frying!
Breadcrumbs: While Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add nice flavor, plain breadcrumbs or panko are great alternatives. Panko gives more crunch, which is a personal favorite of mine!
Eggs: If you need a vegan option, Flaxseed meal mixed with water or chickpea flour can act as egg replacements. They’ll help the breadcrumbs stick just like eggs do.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste! Adding red pepper flakes can give a little heat, and fresh herbs can brighten up the flavor.
How Do You Fry Cheese Balls Without Burning Them?
Frying is all about maintaining the right temperature and technique. Follow these tips to get perfectly fried cheese balls:
- Heat the oil to about 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy, or drop a small piece of the mixture in; it should sizzle immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady. It prevents the cheese balls from becoming greasy.
- Keep an eye on the color. Fry until they are golden brown, roughly 3-4 minutes, then remove them promptly to drain excess oil.
And remember, letting them cool on paper towels helps remove unnecessary oil, making your cheese balls less greasy and more delicious!
How to Make Fried Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cheese Balls:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 10 minutes for frying. So, in total, you should be ready to enjoy your tasty fried cheese balls in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by pouring vegetable oil into a deep frying pan. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a thermometer to check this if you have one. This is the perfect temperature for frying!
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the cheese is evenly coated with the herbs and spices.
3. Form the Cheese Balls:
Take small portions of the cheese mixture and roll them into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place these cheese balls on a plate as you go. This will make it easy for the next steps.
4. Set Up for Breading:
In a separate shallow dish, crack the two eggs and beat them until they are well blended. Take another dish and fill it with flour. You’re set to start coating those cheese balls!
5. Coat the Cheese Balls:
Now it’s time to coat each cheese ball. Start by rolling it in the flour, making sure it’s fully covered. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs until it’s completely coated. Repeat this with all the cheese balls.
6. Fry the Cheese Balls:
Carefully drop the coated cheese balls into the hot oil. Remember to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain Excess Oil:
Once the cheese balls are golden and cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
These fried cheese balls are best served warm! Try them with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra boost of flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade fried cheese balls!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional for its melting properties, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for added flavor. Just keep in mind that softer cheeses may require adjustments in frying time to ensure they hold their shape.
Can I Bake These Cheese Balls Instead of Frying?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them with a little cooking oil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Just note that the texture might be slightly different from fried cheese balls.
How Do I Store Leftover Cheese Balls?
Let the cheese balls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them before frying. Just lay them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be fried directly from frozen; just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with Fried Cheese Balls?
These cheese balls are delicious with marinara sauce, but you can also try them with ranch dressing, pesto, or a spicy aioli. Get creative and mix up flavors to find your perfect match!
