Description
These crispy cheese jalapeño balls are the perfect bite-sized snack with a kick! Filled with gooey cheese and spicy jalapeños, then coated in a crunchy golden crust, they’re ideal for parties, game days, or whenever you need a delicious appetizer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Balls:
- 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 medium jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 100 g (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 100 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 150 g (1 1/2 cups) breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
🥣 Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix together the cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, chopped jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined and a bit sticky.
-
Shape the Balls:
- Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball.
- Repeat until all the mixture is used (should make about 20-25 balls).
-
Chill the Balls:
- Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Freeze for 15-20 minutes to firm them up, which helps when coating and frying.
🍳 Coat and Fry:
-
Prepare the Coating Stations:
- Set up three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs
- Set up three bowls:
-
Coat the Cheese Balls:
- Roll each cheese ball in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- For extra crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.
-
Heat the Oil:
- Heat about 5 cm (2 inches) of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 180°C (350°F).
-
Fry the Cheese Balls:
- Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or marinara sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Notes
- Baking Option: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the balls on a parchment-lined tray for 15-20 minutes until golden.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.