Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- Optional garnish: chopped chives or parsley
li>1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheddar, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended. Use a hand mixer for easier blending if desired.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Form 1.5-inch balls using a scoop or your hands.
- Dip each cheese ball in beaten eggs, then roll in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy coating.
- For extra crunch, double coat by dipping in eggs and breadcrumbs again.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat oil in a deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- If baking, arrange cheese balls on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown. If frying, deep fry until crispy and golden, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Serve hot with dipping sauces like spicy ranch or marinara. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Chill the mixture to make shaping easier.
- For extra crunch, double coat the cheese balls with eggs and panko breadcrumbs.
- Adjust spice level by varying cayenne pepper amount.
- Use healthier substitutes like crushed almonds or seeds for a twist.
- These cheese balls can be baked or fried depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (baking) or 2-3 minutes (frying)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball (about 1.5 oz)
- Calories: 150 Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
