Kamil Perry
Deep-fried cheese balls are a quick and easy snack that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. They are crispy and golden on the outside, with a gooey, cheesy centre. The perfect party snack, they can be made with any type of hard cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella, and can even be made vegan. To make them, you'll need to shape your chosen cheese into balls, coat them in a variety of coatings, and then deep-fry them in hot oil.
How to Deep Fry Cheddar Cheese Balls
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cheddar Cheese, Oil, Breadcrumbs, Flour, Egg, Milk, Salt, Pepper, Marinara Sauce, Basil |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 seconds per side |
| Total Time | Under an hour |
| Equipment | Deep large pot, scooper, slotted spoon, paper towels |
| Oil Type | Vegetable or Sunflower Oil |
| Oil Temperature | 350-355°F |
| Oil Volume | 6-8 cups |
| Oil Depth | 2-4 inches |
| Number of Cheese Balls | 4-8 per batch |
| Cheese Ball Weight | 34 grams |
| Cheese Ball Size | 1.5 tablespoon |
| Cheese Ball Coating | Corn starch, flour or breadcrumbs |
| Cheese Ball Seasoning | Garlic powder, paprika, basil, parsley, oregano, onion powder |
| Serving Suggestions | Marinara sauce, whipped ricotta red pepper sauce, homemade tomato sauce |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right oil
When deep-frying cheddar cheese balls, it is important to choose an oil with a high smoking point. Oils with a high smoking point can withstand high temperatures without smoking and imparting an unpleasant flavour to your food. Oils with a low smoking point, such as olive oil, will smoke at high temperatures and may fill your kitchen with smoke.
Vegetable oil and sunflower oil are good choices for deep-frying as they have high smoking points. They can withstand the high temperatures needed to achieve a crispy exterior and gooey interior for your cheddar cheese balls without smoking.
The amount of oil you use is also important. You will need enough oil to fully submerge the cheese balls as they cook. A deep pot with at least 2-4 inches of oil is ideal. This will ensure the cheese balls are evenly cooked on all sides and do not stick to the bottom of the pan.
It is also important to maintain an even oil temperature throughout the cooking process. Heat the oil to 350-355°F before carefully adding the cheese balls. If the oil is too cool, the cheese balls will become soggy, and if it is too hot, they will harden and darken.
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Selecting the right cheese
Firstly, consider the melting point of the cheese. Cheeses with a high melting point, such as halloumi, cheddar, queso blanco, paneer, or mozzarella, are ideal for frying. These cheeses retain their shape when exposed to high heat, making them perfect for creating crispy, golden cheese balls. Mozzarella, in particular, is a popular choice due to its subtle flavour and low melting point, which allows for a gooey, stringy texture on the inside.
Additionally, the type of cheese you select can influence the overall taste and flavour profile of your deep-fried cheese balls. For a sharper, more intense flavour, consider using cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack cheese. These varieties offer a bolder taste that can enhance the overall sensory experience of your dish. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavour, mozzarella or bocconcini can be excellent choices, providing a subtle taste that complements the crispy coating.
When selecting your cheese, it is also important to consider the texture and consistency of the final product. For a creamier, richer mouthfeel, incorporating cream cheese or ricotta into your mixture can add a decadent twist to your deep-fried cheese balls. Alternatively, for a lighter, fluffier texture, you can incorporate egg whites, as suggested by some recipes, which create an ultra-light and airy consistency.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheeses to create unique flavour profiles. Some popular combinations include mozzarella, cream cheese, and egg; or mozzarella, cheddar, pepper jack, and string cheese. You can also explore different types of cheddar, such as Carolina Reaper Cheddar Cheese, to add a spicy kick to your deep-fried cheese balls.
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Preparing the coating
Step 1: Prepare the dry ingredients
Start by preparing a breading station. Place some corn starch, flour, or breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. You can use regular breadcrumbs or, for extra flavour, try Italian breadcrumbs, which you can usually find in mainstream supermarkets. If you can't find Italian breadcrumbs, you can make your own by mixing regular dried breadcrumbs with dried basil, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano. Alternatively, you can use regular breadcrumbs and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, prepare a mixture of egg and a splash of milk. You can use egg whites only if you prefer, but don't throw away the yolks—you can use them to make something like stuffed ziti fritta. Allow the egg whites to come to room temperature before using them.
Step 3: Prepare the coating
Now it's time to coat your cheddar cheese balls. Start by patting your cheese dry with paper towels. Then, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the cheese into balls of around 34 grams each. Next, dip the cheese balls into the wet mixture, followed by the dry mixture. Make sure they are well coated. If you're using breadcrumbs, you might want to double-coat your cheese balls to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when fried.
Step 4: Season the coating (optional)
For an extra kick of flavour, you can season your coating. Mix some garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper (if you haven't already) into your breadcrumbs. You can also add other spices and herbs of your choice, such as Italian seasoning or Old Bay Seasoning.
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Frying technique
Frying cheese balls is a delicate process, and the key to success is maintaining a consistent temperature. The oil should be heated to around 350°F (some recipes suggest a range of 350-355°F) before adding the cheese balls. This temperature is critical, as oil that is too cool will result in soggy cheese balls, while hotter oil will cause them to harden and become too dark.
Use a deep-frying thermometer to monitor the oil's temperature, and ensure you are using an oil with a high smoking point, such as vegetable or sunflower oil. Olive oil, for example, cannot withstand the required heat and will smoke out your kitchen.
When the oil is at the correct temperature, carefully place 4-5 cheese balls into the oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the pot or pan. Fry the cheese balls in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause uneven cooking. You can use a slotted spoon to gently agitate the cheese balls in the oil, ensuring they cook evenly and do not stick to each other or the bottom of the pan.
The cheese balls will only need about 30 seconds on each side to cook, and they are done when they turn a golden brown colour. Once cooked, remove the cheese balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately to enjoy the full effect of the crispy exterior and gooey, melted cheese interior.
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Serving suggestions
Deep-fried cheddar cheese balls are a delicious snack and are perfect for parties or as an appetizer. They are also a great finger food for game night or school lunches.
Deep-fried cheddar cheese balls are best served hot and fresh, straight out of the fryer. They can be served as an appetizer or a snack and are perfect for parties. They are great as a finger food and can be served with dips or sauces. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve with a dip: These cheese balls are perfect for dipping. You can serve them with a warm marinara sauce, basil, or whipped ricotta red pepper sauce. You can also serve them with a homemade tomato sauce or your favourite sauce.
- As a side: These fried cheese balls can be a great side dish to a salad, such as a watermelon and mozzarella salad.
- Part of a platter: Fried cheddar cheese balls can be a great addition to a platter, such as a party platter or a game night spread. They can be served with other fried snacks, such as bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks or jalapeno poppers.
- As a snack: These cheese balls are a delicious and easy snack and can be served on their own. They are perfect for when you are craving something cheesy and crispy.
- For a crowd: Fried cheese balls are a great option when entertaining a crowd. They are easy to make and can be made in batches, so you can serve a large number of people.
So, whether you are serving them as a snack, an appetizer, or a side, these deep-fried cheddar cheese balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Frequently asked questions
You will need cheddar cheese, egg whites, and oil for frying. You can also add garlic powder, paprika, and bread crumbs for extra flavour.
First, mix the cheddar cheese with egg whites. Then, form the mixture into small balls. Next, heat the oil in a deep pot or pan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, carefully place the cheese balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
It is important to use enough oil to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pot or pan. You can also chill the cheese balls before frying to help them hold their shape. Additionally, use an oil with a high smoking point, such as vegetable or sunflower oil.
