There’s something irresistibly comforting about biting into a perfectly crispy exterior only to discover a warm, gooey center of melted cheese. These Fried Cheese Balls are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings together the joy of comfort food with an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress at your next gathering.
Whether you’re hosting game day festivities, a casual dinner party, or simply craving a decadent snack, these golden orbs of cheesy goodness deliver big flavor in bite-sized packages. The contrast between the crunchy coating and the molten cheese center creates a textural experience that’s absolutely addictive.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick prep time with readily available ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
- Crispy exterior and gooey, melty cheese interior creates the perfect textural contrast
- Customizable with different cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences
- Perfect make-ahead appetizer—prepare the balls in advance and fry just before serving
- Kid-friendly treat that doubles as a sophisticated party appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 5 ounces medium cheddar cheese, grated (about 1¼ cups)
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the room temperature egg whites until stiff peaks form. The egg whites should be white and create a firm foam that holds its shape.
- Gently fold the grated cheddar cheese into the stiff egg whites until well combined, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Use a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the mixture into small mounds on a baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the mixture.
- While the cheese balls chill, heat at least 4 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F. Maintain the temperature between 350-375°F throughout cooking.
- Gently roll each chilled mound into a loose ball shape. Don't pack them tightly – you want to keep the light, airy texture from the egg whites.
- Carefully drop several cheese balls into the hot oil, making sure they don't touch each other. Fry for 1-1½ minutes, turning constantly to cook evenly on all sides until golden brown.
- Remove the fried cheese balls with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Tips & Variations
- Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack for spice, gouda for smokiness, or blue cheese for a tangy kick
- Add finely chopped herbs like basil, chives, or parsley to the cheese mixture for extra flavor
- For a spicy version, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
- If the cheese mixture is too soft to form balls, refrigerate it longer or add a tablespoon of flour to help bind
- For a lighter version, air fry at 390°F for 6-8 minutes or bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes
- Freeze fully breaded (uncooked) cheese balls for up to a month—just add an extra minute to frying time when cooking from frozen
Serving Suggestions
These crispy cheese balls pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Try serving them with marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo for delightful flavor combinations. For an elevated presentation, place them on a platter with fresh herbs as garnish and lemon wedges on the side.
Turn these into a complete appetizer spread by serving alongside antipasto skewers, bruschetta, or stuffed mushrooms. They also make a fantastic addition to a casual dinner when paired with a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
Notes
- The oil temperature is crucial—too hot and the exterior will burn before the cheese melts; too cool and the balls will absorb oil and become greasy
- You’ll know they’re done when they float to the surface and turn golden brown
- Let them rest for 1-2 minutes after frying to avoid burning your mouth on the molten cheese
- Leftover cheese balls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bread the cheese balls up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them in the freezer until ready to fry.
Why did my cheese balls burst during frying?
This usually happens when the oil is too hot or the balls weren’t chilled enough before frying. Make sure to freeze them for at least 15 minutes and maintain a steady oil temperature.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While convenient, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may affect melting. Freshly shredded cheese works best for the gooiest results.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the crispiest results, reheat in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.
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