Golden cheese balls are crispy, bite-sized snacks with a gooey, cheesy center and a perfectly crunchy, golden exterior. Whether I’m making them for game day, holiday gatherings, or just a fun snack, these cheesy bites are always a hit. They’re simple, crave-worthy, and disappear fast once they hit the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers everything I want in a savory snack—crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside, and full of bold cheese flavor. They’re super easy to make with a handful of ingredients, and I can bake or fry them depending on my mood. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, which means I can always keep a batch ready to go.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of choice)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Eggs
- Milk
- Bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes (for coating)
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or chopped chives for added flavor
- Oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
Directions
- I start by mixing shredded cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, and any seasonings in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, I whisk together eggs and a splash of milk, then stir it into the dry ingredients to form a soft dough.
- I roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch wide) and chill them in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- I roll each ball in breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to coat them fully.
- To fry: I heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F and fry the balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- To bake: I preheat the oven to 400°F, place the balls on a lined baking sheet, spray them with oil, and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- I let them cool slightly before serving warm with my favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 20–24 cheese balls, depending on the size. It takes about 15 minutes to prep, 15–20 minutes to chill and cook, so they’re ready in around 35–40 minutes.
Variations
- I use different cheeses like mozzarella, pepper jack, or a sharp aged cheddar for unique flavor twists.
- Adding finely diced jalapeños gives them a bold upgrade.
- I sometimes stuff the center with a small cube of cheese for an extra melty core.
- For a spicier version, I mix in a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes until crispy again. They freeze well, too—I just freeze them before cooking and fry or bake straight from frozen (adding a few extra minutes).
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often make and chill or freeze the uncooked cheese balls, then fry or bake them just before serving.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is my go-to for bold flavor, but any good melting cheese works—mozzarella, gouda, even cream cheese blends.
Can I air fry these?
Absolutely! I air fry them at 375°F for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, I use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for coating.
What dips go well with cheese balls?
I love serving them with ranch, marinara, spicy aioli, honey mustard, or even a creamy sriracha dip.
Conclusion
Golden cheese balls are the ultimate cheesy snack—crispy, melty, and totally addictive. Whether I’m frying, baking, or air-frying them, they’re always a hit with both kids and adults. Easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for any occasion, this is one recipe I always keep in my back pocket.
Golden Cheese Balls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 35–40 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 cheese balls
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked or Fried
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These golden cheese balls are the perfect crispy, melty snack with a bold cheesy center and a crunchy, golden crust. Whether baked or fried, they’re always a crowd-pleasing appetizer for parties, holidays, or game day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or preferred cheese blend)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes (for coating)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- Oil for frying or cooking spray for baking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, and any optional seasonings.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Add to dry ingredients and mix to form a soft dough.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and chill for 15–20 minutes.
- Coat each ball in bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes.
- To fry: Heat oil to 350°F and fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place balls on a lined sheet, spray with oil, and bake 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cool slightly and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Mix and match cheeses for different flavors (cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack).
- Add-ins like jalapeños or a cube of cheese in the center make these even better.
- Freeze uncooked balls and cook from frozen with just a few extra minutes added.
