Description
Crispy Fried Cheese Balls are golden, crunchy snacks filled with gooey melted cheese and flavored with a mix of spices. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, these cheese balls are served hot with marinara sauce and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine grated cheese, eggs, flour, and all spices using a hand mixer until fully incorporated.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into small balls.
- Coat each cheese ball evenly in bread crumbs and place on the prepared tray.
- Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes to allow the cheese balls to firm up.
- Line another tray with paper towels for draining excess oil later.
- In a deep pot, heat 6–8 cups of vegetable oil to 350–355°F using a thermometer.
- Fry 4–5 cheese balls at a time until golden brown, about 30 seconds per side.
- Remove from oil and drain on the paper towel-lined tray.
- Serve immediately with marinara sauce and fresh basil.
Notes
- Chill the cheese balls thoroughly before frying to prevent them from falling apart.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for perfect crispiness.
- For extra flavor, mix Parmesan cheese into the bread crumbs.
- Vegan cheese can be substituted for a plant-based version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cheese balls
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg