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To make crispy cheese balls, you need the following: - 2 cups shredded cheese (a blend of sharp cheddar and stretchy mozzarella) - 1 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crispy texture) - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 large egg, beaten until smooth - Vegetable oil, for frying Using good-quality cheese makes a big difference. The best cheese melts well and adds flavor. Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang, while mozzarella adds stretch. Cream cheese binds everything together, making the mix creamy. Fresh parsley brightens the taste and looks great too. Always choose fresh spices for better flavor. You can change some ingredients if needed. Use any cheese you like, such as gouda or pepper jack. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese. For a gluten-free version, swap panko for crushed cornflakes. Add spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make the cheese mixture, grab a large mixing bowl. First, add 2 cups of shredded cheese. I like to use a mix of sharp cheddar and stretchy mozzarella for great taste. Next, add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Mix these cheeses until they blend smoothly. Then, add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything until it is well combined. Now it’s time to form the cheese balls. Take about one tablespoon of the cheese mixture in your hands. Roll it into a ball shape, making around 20 cheese balls. Once you have all your cheese balls ready, get a shallow dish and pour in 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Dip each cheese ball into 1 large beaten egg. Make sure it is fully coated. After that, roll it in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs stick well. For frying, heat some vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small pinch of breadcrumbs into it. If it sizzles and rises, you are good to go! Carefully place the cheese balls in the hot oil, but do it in small batches. Fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes. Make sure to turn the balls so they brown evenly. You want them to be a nice golden brown color all over. When they are done, use a slotted spoon to lift them out and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up extra oil. Enjoy these warm with your favorite dipping sauces! To get the best crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crispier than regular ones. Make sure to fry in hot oil. If the oil is too cold, the cheese balls will soak up oil and become soggy. Always test the oil with a breadcrumb. It should sizzle and rise right away. Keep the cheese balls chilled before frying. This helps them hold their shape. If they fall apart, try adjusting the cheese blend. A firmer cheese like gouda or a bit more cream cheese can help. Also, roll them gently but firmly to make sure they stay intact. Serving crispy cheese balls with the right dips can enhance their flavor. I recommend marinara or ranch dressing. Both add a nice tangy kick. You can also try spicy ketchup or garlic aioli for something different. These dips will make your snack even more delightful! Pro Tips Chill the Mixture: Before rolling the cheese balls, refrigerate the cheese mixture for about 30 minutes. This helps the balls hold their shape during frying. Use a Thermometer: For perfectly fried cheese balls, use a kitchen thermometer to maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for optimal crispiness. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as pepper jack or gouda for varied flavors and textures in your cheese balls. Serve with Variety: Pair your cheese balls with a range of dipping sauces like spicy sriracha or honey mustard for an exciting flavor experience. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of your crispy cheese balls easily. Add spices or herbs to make them unique. For a spicy kick, mix in some chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper. If you love herbs, try adding fresh basil or oregano. You can even use a blend of Italian seasoning for a zesty touch. Each flavor brings a new life to these tasty bites! Not everyone eats dairy, but that’s okay! You can make vegan cheese balls too. Use plant-based cheese that melts well, like cashew or almond cheese. Instead of cream cheese, use a vegan cream cheese. It gives a creamy texture without the dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy crispy cheese balls! Frying gives crispy cheese balls a crunchy coat. But baking is a healthier choice if you prefer less oil. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated cheese balls on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn golden brown. You still get great flavor and texture! To keep leftover cheese balls fresh, place them in an airtight container. Line the bottom with paper towels to absorb moisture. This step helps maintain their crispiness. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, you can reheat them. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option. First, place the cheese balls on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about an hour until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cheese balls to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat and keep the cheese balls crispy, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them for about 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make them soggy. Enjoy your crispy cheese balls just like the first day! Crispy cheese balls stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After frying, let them cool down. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out. For best taste, eat them soon after frying. Yes, you can make crispy cheese balls ahead of time. Prepare the cheese mixture and form the balls. Then, place them on a tray and freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a sealed bag. You can fry them later when you are ready to enjoy. Some great sauces to dip your crispy cheese balls in are: - Marinara sauce - Ranch dressing - Spicy aioli - Honey mustard - Barbecue sauce These sauces enhance the cheese balls and add extra flavor. Try them all to find your favorite! In this blog post, we explored the essential ingredients and their quality, the step-by-step process to create perfect cheese balls, and valuable tips for the best results. You learned about various flavor options and how to store leftovers properly. Remember, quality ingredients lead to better taste. Use these tips to impress your family or friends. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and find your favorite dipping sauce. Your next cheese ball creation is just around the corner!

Crispy Cheese Balls

Deliciously crispy cheese balls made with a blend of cheeses and herbs, perfect for snacking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 20
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with the softened cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses form a cohesive and creamy blend.
  • Incorporate the finely chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the cheese mixture. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Using your hands, scoop approximately one tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it into a ball shape. Continue this process until all of the mixture is transformed into approximately 20 cheese balls.
  • Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Take each cheese ball, dip it into the beaten egg until fully coated, then roll it in the breadcrumbs, ensuring each ball is evenly covered.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small pinch of breadcrumb into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
  • Carefully place the coated cheese balls into the hot oil, frying them in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 3-4 minutes, turning the balls occasionally until they reach a deep golden brown color all over.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried cheese balls to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
  • Serve the crispy cheese balls warm, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces such as marinara or ranch for a delightful treat.

Notes

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