These crispy fried cheese balls are the ultimate snack for cheese lovers. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of gooey, melted cheese. Whether I’m serving them at parties or enjoying them as a late-night treat, these golden bites never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and easy these cheese balls are to make with basic pantry ingredients. They’re crowd-pleasers—perfect for game nights, gatherings, or even as a comforting snack. The contrast of the crispy exterior with the soft, cheesy interior always gets rave reviews. Plus, I can tweak the flavors to fit my mood or the occasion.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
flour
cornstarch
baking powder
salt
pepper
cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works great)
water
breadcrumbs
oil for frying
directions
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I start by mixing the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
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I add water slowly to create a smooth, thick batter.
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Then, I shape the cheese into small balls.
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I dip each cheese ball into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated.
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After that, I roll them in breadcrumbs for that extra crunch.
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I heat the oil in a deep frying pan or pot and fry the balls until they’re golden brown.
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Once they’re done, I remove them and let them drain on paper towels before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 16 cheese balls, enough to serve 4 people as a snack or appetizer. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to fry, so I can have these ready in just 20 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I like to mix in herbs like parsley or oregano into the batter for added flavor. If I’m feeling spicy, I add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika. I’ve also tried different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda, and they melt beautifully.
storage/reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until they’re crispy again. I avoid microwaving them because it makes them soggy.
FAQs
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while frying?
I make sure the cheese balls are fully coated in batter and breadcrumbs, and that the oil is hot enough before frying. A good seal keeps the cheese inside.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare the cheese balls and freeze them before frying. When I’m ready, I fry them straight from the freezer—just a minute or two longer.
What’s the best cheese to use?
I prefer cheddar for its sharp flavor, but mozzarella gives that classic stretchy melt. Mixing both also works great.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, I can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes. They don’t get quite as crispy, but they’re still delicious.
What dipping sauces go well with cheese balls?
I love serving them with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. They pair well with almost anything.
Conclusion
These crispy fried cheese balls are everything I want in a snack—cheesy, crunchy, and completely satisfying. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and always a hit. Whether I’m treating myself or feeding a crowd, this recipe never fails to bring smiles.
Crispy Fried Cheese Balls – Golden Crunch Meets Gooey Delight!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 cheese balls)
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy fried cheese balls feature a golden crunchy exterior with a gooey melted cheese center. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they are quick to make and customizable with various cheeses and seasonings.
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), cubed
- ½ cup water (adjust as needed for batter consistency)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add water to form a smooth, thick batter.
- Shape the cheese into small bite-sized balls.
- Dip each cheese ball into the batter, ensuring complete coverage.
- Roll the coated cheese balls in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or pot over medium-high heat.
- Fry the cheese balls in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cheese balls and drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- Add herbs like parsley or oregano for extra flavor.
- Include chili flakes or paprika for a spicy twist.
- Experiment with cheeses like gouda or pepper jack.
- Reheat in oven to retain crispiness.
- Prepare ahead and freeze before frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 cheese balls
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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