Name: Stuffed Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular); Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

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If you’re looking to wow your friends, tickle your tastebuds, or simply turn up the fun at your next gathering, these Stuffed Cheese Balls are about to become your new favorite appetizer. Imagine a velvety blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and cream cheese, seasoned just right, all wrapped inside a crisp, golden shell. Each bite bursts with oozy, melty cheese and savory spices, making these delightful bites irresistible for both kids and adults. Whether you love dunking them in a zesty marinara or popping them straight into your mouth, you’ll never stop at just one.

Stuffed Cheese Balls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Stuffed Cheese Balls come together with a handful of simple ingredients, each one crucial to nailing that perfect combination of gooey center and crispy exterior. No ingredient is wasted here—every one is purposeful and you can taste each note in every bite.

Mozzarella cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides the signature stretch factor and creamy flavor in every ball.
Cheddar cheese: A punch of sharp cheddar pairs beautifully with mozzarella for a richer, deeper flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese binds the mixture and ensures the inside stays irresistibly smooth and lush.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory pop that elevates the whole cheese profile with minimal fuss.
Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to balance the richness of the cheese.
Italian seasoning: A touch of herbs gives a nod to classic pizza flavors and adds amazing aroma.
Black pepper: Just a hint rounds out the flavors with a tiniest touch of heat.
All-purpose flour: Forms the first coating, ensuring the egg and breadcrumb layers stick beautifully.
Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the essential glue in the breading process, holding everything together.
Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): The key to that irresistibly crispy exterior; panko delivers extra crunch, but regular works too.
Oil for frying: Vegetable or canola oil are best for their neutral flavor and high smoke point, keeping the cheese balls light and non-greasy.

How to Make Stuffed Cheese Balls

Step 1: Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a medium bowl, gather your mozzarella, cheddar, and softened cream cheese. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Now, get ready to roll up your sleeves (literally)—use a spatula or your hands to really mix everything together until it’s smooth, creamy, and uniform. Don’t rush! The better incorporated everything is, the more decadent your Stuffed Cheese Balls will taste.

Step 2: Shape Into Balls

Next, scoop up about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture and gently roll it between your palms into a neat, compact ball. Place each one on a parchment-lined tray. Repeat until all of your mixture is formed into little cheesy spheres. If you want perfectly round balls, give each a gentle squeeze as you roll—they should easily hold their shape.

Step 3: Freeze to Set

Bake your cheese balls by letting them chill, literally. Slide the tray into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is crucial: chilling firms up the cheese and makes breading (and later, frying) a breeze. If you skip this, you might end up with misshapen balls or cheese oozing everywhere.

Step 4: Bread the Cheese Balls

Now for the fun part! Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls—flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in the last. Roll each cheese ball in flour (this helps the egg stick), dip it thoroughly in egg, and then roll in breadcrumbs for a generous coating. For the ultimate crunch factor, double dip: another round in the egg and breadcrumbs transforms your Stuffed Cheese Balls into crispy wonders.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Pour a couple of inches of oil into a deep skillet or saucepan and heat it up to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the breaded cheese balls into the hot oil in batches, giving them a couple of minutes per side to become gorgeously golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and let them drain briefly on a paper towel-lined plate while you finish the rest. Don’t overcrowd the pan so they fry up perfectly.

How to Serve Stuffed Cheese Balls

Garnishes

A little flourish can make these Stuffed Cheese Balls even more tempting! A sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a dusting of parmesan adds a pop of color and flavor. For a gentle heat, you could add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Remember to serve them piping hot—the cheese pull is part of the magic.

Side Dishes

These are fabulous showstoppers on their own, but they also love a good partner. Think of tangy marinara sauce, cool ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo as classic dips. For a bigger spread, consider pairing with a crisp green salad, garlic breadsticks, or a simple tomato cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try stacking the Stuffed Cheese Balls on a platter with skewers for easy snacking, or nestle them inside mini cones for a playful twist. Present them in little paper cups with a drizzle of sauce, or arrange around a bowl of dip as the ultimate centerpiece. They’ve also been known to disappear fast tucked into a picnic basket!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have any Stuffed Cheese Balls left, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool completely before sealing them up—this keeps them from getting soggy. Reheat for best results instead of eating cold for that signature gooey bite.

Freezing

You can prep these cheese balls in advance! After breading (but before frying), arrange the uncooked balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They keep well for up to two months. Fry straight from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cook time if needed.

Reheating

To revive the crust and heat the cheesy center, bake refrigerated or frozen Stuffed Cheese Balls in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. An air fryer also works wonders if you have one—just a few minutes and they’re as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap or add in pepper jack for a spicy kick, smoked gouda for depth, or even a little crumbled feta for tang. The key is to stick to cheeses that melt well for the best gooey filling.

What oil is best for frying Stuffed Cheese Balls?

Vegetable or canola oil are both ideal for frying because of their neutral flavor and high smoke points. You can also use sunflower oil. Just be sure to keep the oil temperature steady for even browning and no greasiness.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, for a lighter option, bake the breaded balls on a greased baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be crispy, just not quite as deeply golden as their fried cousins!

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Chilling the filled balls before breading (and again briefly before frying) helps a lot! Also, make sure there are no cracks in the coating and double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs for extra insurance. Don’t skip the freezer step!

Can I make Stuffed Cheese Balls ahead of time for a party?

You sure can! Bread them up to a day in advance and refrigerate, or freeze them for longer storage. Fry or bake just before serving for maximum crunch and cheese pull factor—everyone will be impressed.

Final Thoughts

The only tough part about making and sharing these Stuffed Cheese Balls is watching them vanish from the platter before you’ve had your fill! With their crispy exterior and molten cheese center, they’re pure comfort food with that unbeatable wow factor. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become the star of your snack table.

Stuffed Cheese Balls Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 18–20 cheese balls 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Stuffed Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with cheesy flavor. Perfect for parties or as a delicious snack, these fried cheese balls are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Filling:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Coating and Frying:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine mozzarella, cheddar, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
Shape the Cheese Balls: Scoop 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and freeze for 20–30 minutes.
Coat and Fry: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Roll each cheese ball in flour, then egg, and coat with breadcrumbs. Fry in hot oil until golden brown.
Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve warm.