Here’s a crispy, gooey, irresistible Fried Cheese Balls recipe — super easy and perfect for snacking or parties!
🧀 Fried Cheese Balls (Crunchy Outside, Melty Inside)
Ingredients (makes about 20 balls)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella (or a mix of cheddar & mozzarella)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko = extra crunch!)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oil for deep frying
Optional fillings/mix-ins:
- Finely chopped jalapeños
- Cooked bacon bits
- Herbs (parsley, chives)
Instructions
1. Shape the cheese balls
- Grab small portions of shredded cheese and squeeze/roll them into tight balls (about 1 inch).
- If the cheese is too loose, chill the shredded cheese for 10–15 minutes first.
2. Create a breading station
Use 3 bowls:
- Flour
- Beaten eggs
- Breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt & pepper
3. Bread the cheese balls
- Roll each ball in flour
- Dip into egg
- Coat with breadcrumbs
- For extra crunch: Dip again in egg and re-coat in breadcrumbs (double-coat).
4. Chill
- Place the coated cheese balls in the freezer for 20–30 minutes
- This prevents them from melting too fast when frying.
5. Fry
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels.
6. Serve
Best enjoyed hot with dipping sauces like:
- Marinara
- Ranch
- Spicy mayo
- Garlic aioli
- Sweet chili sauce
🎉 Tips for Perfect Cheese Balls
- Freezing is the key to prevent leaking while frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
- You can air fry them at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Want a without egg, air fryer, or stuffed version (like jalapeño popper cheese balls)?
