Description
Crispy and gooey stuffed cheese balls made with a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, seasoned with garlic and herbs, and filled with savory bacon bits. Perfect as a delicious appetizer or snack, these cheese balls are coated in breadcrumbs and fried until golden and crispy.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Stuffing
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or ham, pepperoni, or sausage for variety)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or chives, optional)
Coating & Frying
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup flour (for coating)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the cheeses and seasonings are evenly incorporated into the cream cheese base.
- Add Stuffing: Fold in the crumbled cooked bacon or your preferred filling (ham, pepperoni, or sausage) along with the chopped fresh herbs if using. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Form Cheese Balls: Scoop out spoonfuls of the cheese mixture and roll them gently between your palms to form small balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Continue until all the mixture is used up.
- Coat the Balls: Roll each cheese ball first in the flour to lightly coat, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs, ensuring each ball is completely covered for a crispy exterior.
- Heat Oil: In a large deep skillet or deep fryer, pour enough vegetable oil to submerge the cheese balls. Heat the oil over medium heat to approximately 350°F (175°C), ideal for deep frying.
- Fry Cheese Balls: Carefully place the cheese balls in the hot oil in batches. Fry them for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even golden brown and crispy crust.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried cheese balls and place them on paper towels to drain off excess oil and keep them crisp.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed cheese balls hot with your choice of dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or any favorite sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs for coating.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F) to avoid greasy cheese balls.
- Keep the cheese balls evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- You can prepare the balls ahead of time and refrigerate before frying.
- Substitute bacon with other fillings like ham, pepperoni, or sausage according to preference.
