Here’s a golden, crispy, and gooey recipe for Fried Cheese Balls — the ultimate party snack or indulgent appetizer. Think stretchy melted cheese inside a perfectly crunchy crust. 🧀🧆
🧀 Crispy Fried Cheese Balls
🧺 Ingredients:
For the Cheese Balls:
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella (or cheddar, pepper jack, or a mix)
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¼ cup cream cheese (optional, for smoothness and binding)
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2 tbsp grated Parmesan (for extra flavor)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
For Breading:
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1½ cups breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for crunch)
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Oil, for deep frying
🔪 Instructions:
1. Make the Cheese Mixture:
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In a bowl, mix shredded cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and seasonings.
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Chill the mixture for 15–20 minutes to firm up (or freeze for 10 minutes if short on time).
2. Form Balls:
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Scoop and roll into small balls (about 1 to 1½ inches wide).
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Place on a tray lined with parchment and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep them from melting too quickly when frying.
3. Bread the Balls:
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Roll each cheese ball in flour, then dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. (For extra crunch, double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs.)
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Return to freezer for another 10–15 minutes to set the breading.
4. Fry:
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Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
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Fry cheese balls in batches for 1½ to 2 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
🥣 Dipping Sauce Ideas:
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Marinara
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Ranch
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Spicy aioli
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Honey mustard
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Buffalo sauce
🧊 Tips:
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Don’t overcrowd the pan — fry in small batches.
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Want a shortcut? Use small cubes of mozzarella, bread them, and fry.
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For a baked version: bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then broil for a minute to brown.
Want to try air frying, a stuffed jalapeño cheddar version, or serve them on a charcuterie board?