Fried cheese balls

Fried cheese balls

15 min
Make the best appetiser or snack with our fried cheese balls recipe. Made from mozzarella pearls seasoned with rosemary, lemon, and garlic, these golden orbs feature a feast of wonderful textures and flavours. Serve them on their own or with your favourite dipping sauce on the side.
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Instructions

  • Heat the deep fryer to 180 °C.
  • Drain mozzarella pearls and pat them dry with kitchen paper.
  • Grate the lemon zest and mash it into a fine paste along with rosemary and garlic.
  • Add the paste to the flour and stir to combine.
  • Separate egg whites into a bowl and lightly whisk them.
  • Roll the mozzarella pearls in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
  • Dip the pearls in the egg whites, fully coating them.
  • Roll the pearls in breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
  • Dip the pearls in the egg whites again, then coat them with breadcrumbs once more for extra crunch.
  • Deep-fry the mozzarella pearls for 2 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
  • Garnish with finely chopped rosemary and a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.
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Enjoy!
Choosing the right oil

Select an oil with a high smoking point, such as vegetable or sunflower oil, when you want to deep-fry. These oils withstand the high temperatures needed for deep-frying without smoking or burning. Always check that the oil is hot enough before frying. A quick test is to sprinkle a small pinch of flour into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is at the right temperature. If you want to be more precise, use a cooking thermometer to check.

Prevent sticking during frying

Gently shake cheese balls in the oil immediately after adding them to prevent them from sticking to each other or the pan. A simple shake helps to separate them and makes sure each develops an even golden crust. Continue moving them gently as they cook. Frying them in small batches also ensures the oil temperature remains stable so they cook evenly.

Wet hand, dry hand method

The 'wet hand, dry hand' involves using one hand for handling wet ingredients, like egg whites, and the other for dry ingredients such as flour and breadcrumbs. This prevents the ingredients from clumping and keeps your work area clean. With one hand dedicated to each type of ingredient, you can work quickly and confidently, without making a mess.

Same-sized cheese balls 

Aiming for same-sized cheese balls guarantees they are all cooked evenly to avoid undercooked or overcooked pieces. Smaller cheese balls cook more quickly and develop a consistently crispy exterior. Using an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon is a great way to portion the mixture evenly.

FAQ: Questions about fried cheese balls

If you have a few questions about how to make fried cheese balls, you have come to the right. Below, you can read answers to some of the most common queries to help you get the best results.

What size of pot should I use for frying?

It is best to use a smaller pot that allows the oil to be deep enough to fully cover the cheese balls. A smaller pot helps maintain a steady oil temperature, which is crucial for consistent frying. Too large a pot can result in the oil temperature fluctuating too much. A consistent oil temperature helps the cheese balls turn crispy. If you are using a deep fryer, make sure the oil is at the right temperature, and fry in small batches to maintain the perfect crispiness.

Should I chill the cheese balls before frying?

While chilling the cheese balls before frying is not always necessary, it can help maintain their shape and prevent the cheese from spilling out when frying. Put them in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before cooking to give them a chance to firm up, ensuring they stay intact while cooking.

How do I store leftover fried cheese balls?

If you have leftover fried cheese balls, store them in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for 4–5 days. When you are ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven to bring back their crispy texture. You can also eat them cold. To reheat, place the cheese balls on a baking tray and warm them in the oven until the exterior becomes crisp again. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this can make the outer layer soggy.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

745 Kcal

Fibre 5 gram fibers
Protein 36
Carbohydrates 88.7
Fat 27 gram

Ingredients

Mozzarella pearls
150 g
Flour
50 g
Salt
1 tsp
Black pepper
¼ tsp
Organic lemon
1
Large Rosemary Sprig
2
Small garlic clove
1
Egg whites
3 - 4
Breadcrumbs
100 g

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Make crispy fried cheese balls in no time

When it comes to simple yet impressive appetisers, these easy-fried cheese balls are a winning choice. They come together quickly, so you can enjoy them in no time, while still serving something that feels almost gourmet. Whether it is a casual evening with friends or a more formal gathering with plates of various snacks and appetisers, they are sure to stand out.

Gooey, melty inside with golden-brown crust

The best thing about these fried mozzarella cheese balls is the luscious balance between the crispy, golden-brown crust and the gooey, melty interior. The breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully in the hot oil, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite.

The mozzarella softens to just the right consistency, offering a smooth and creamy texture. The mild, rich mozzarella flavour comes to the forefront, enhanced by the subtle notes of rosemary and garlic. The flavours and textures will leave you wanting more of this cheesy delight.

The perfect snack for your favourite dipping sauce

These crispy cheese bites are not only a treat on their own but are also ideal for pairing with your favourite dipping sauces. Mix and match according to your mood, the theme of your meal, and other snacks, appetisers, or side dishes. Their crispy exterior remains intact, even when dipped, so feel free to dip away.

Serve them with a tangy marinara, a rich aioli, a cool tzatziki, or a zesty tomato salsa for a fresh twist. You can also try a creamy ranch dressing, a smoky chipotle ranch, or a tangy blue cheese dip. On the sweet and savoury side, you will find that a simple drizzle of honey mustard or balsamic glaze does the job. And for a little extra spice? A creamy jalapeño dip is sure to add a fiery kick.

For more delicious recipes, explore our collection of appetisers and snacks. Try making pasta chips with white cheese dip for a crunchy, cheesy treat, or enjoy spinach fritters with pineapple salsa. Serve some loaded sweet potato fries topped with all your favourite toppings, or go the classic way with savoury olive focaccia with white cheese.

Adjust the recipe to your liking

There is plenty of room for creativity when it comes to fried cheese balls. While the original recipe calls for lemon, rosemary, and garlic, you can give them a Mediterranean twist by swapping rosemary for fresh basil or oregano, which pair wonderfully with mozzarella. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat that balances the cheese's richness, and for a more robust, earthy flavour, thyme or sage is the way to go.

For a different texture, use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or experiment with cracker crumbs. Double-coating the cheese balls gives you an even crispier finish. For a cheesier experience, swap or add to the mozzarella with shredded cheddar or Gouda for a rich, tangy flavour, and consider adding a small amount of Parmesan for added sharpness.