Stuffed Cheese Balls

Looking for an appetizer that’s guaranteed to impress your guests? Stuffed Cheese Balls are the perfect solution! These crispy, golden, bite-sized treats are loaded with gooey, melted cheese and a surprise filling inside, making them an irresistible snack for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, game night, or simply craving a cheesy indulgence, these stuffed cheese balls will steal the show.

The best part? They’re easy to customize with your favorite fillings, and they can be made ahead of time, making party prep a breeze. Serve them with a dipping sauce, and watch them disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Stuffed Cheese Balls combine the crunch of a golden-fried exterior with the creamy, cheesy goodness inside. They’re versatile, fun to make, and even more fun to eat! You can stuff them with anything from spicy jalapeños to savory bacon bits, making them perfect for a variety of tastes and preferences.

This recipe is great for beginners and experienced cooks alike, and it’s easy to adapt for different flavor profiles. Plus, they’re perfect as party appetizers, finger foods, or even as a game-day snack!

Ingredients for Stuffed Cheese Balls

• Cheese Mixture:
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• Stuffing Options:
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cooked bacon (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped jalapeños (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped olives (optional)
• Breading:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• Dipping Sauce (optional):
  • Marinara sauce
  • Ranch dressing
  • Spicy aioli

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Cheese grater
• Spoon or small cookie scoop
• Three small bowls for the breading station
• Large frying pan or deep fryer
• Paper towels for draining

Step-by-Step Directions

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1. Make the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and softened cream cheese. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined.

2. Add the Stuffing

If you’re using additional fillings like bacon, jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives, fold them into the cheese mixture. You can stick to one filling or mix and match to create a variety of flavors. The stuffing should be evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.

3. Shape the Cheese Balls

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, take about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all of the cheese mixture has been used. Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to bread and fry.

4. Set Up the Breading Station

In three separate bowls, set up your breading station:

• In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour.
• In the second bowl, add the beaten eggs.
• In the third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.

5. Bread the Cheese Balls

Take each cheese ball, roll it in the flour, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is evenly coated. For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the cheese balls by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

6. Fry the Cheese Balls

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large frying pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cheese balls in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stuffed cheese balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.

Notes and Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cheese balls and freeze them before frying. Once they’re rolled in breadcrumbs, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. After they’ve frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to fry, cook them straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the frying time.
• Oven-Baked Option: If you prefer to bake the cheese balls instead of frying them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
• Stuffing Variations: Get creative with your fillings! You can try cooked sausage, chopped mushrooms, spinach, or even small cubes of ham. If you like spice, diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a kick.
• Read more on next page

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these cheese balls gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. You can use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers.

2. What other cheeses can I use?
While mozzarella and cheddar work well for their meltability, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, fontina, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice.

3. Can I bake these cheese balls instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. The baked version will be a bit less crispy than the fried version but still delicious.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

5. Can I freeze the cheese balls?
Yes! These cheese balls freeze beautifully. Freeze them before frying, and when you’re ready to cook, fry them straight from the freezer.

Serving Suggestions

Stuffed Cheese Balls are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food. Pair them with:

• Dipping Sauce: Marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha aioli.
• Game Day Spread: Serve alongside buffalo wings, sliders, and nachos for the ultimate game day feast.
• Party Platter: Add them to a party platter with other appetizers like deviled eggs, mini sandwiches, and a veggie tray.

Call to Action

If you’re a fan of cheesy, crispy goodness, these Stuffed Cheese Balls are a must-try! Perfect for parties, get-togethers, or just a snack to indulge in, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and subscribe to my blog for more mouthwatering recipes and entertaining tips!