Fried Cheese Balls are a simple yet indulgent appetizer that features melty cheese in the center, encased in a light, crispy shell. With only three ingredients—egg whites, shredded cheddar cheese, and vegetable oil—they make the perfect snack for parties, game nights, or casual gatherings. These cheese balls are quick to prepare and deliver a satisfying bite-sized treat!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 large egg whites (room temperature)

• 5 ounces grated medium cheddar cheese (about 1.25 cups)

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Prepare the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until stiff peaks form. The egg whites should be white and foam up.

2. Mix in the cheese: Gently fold the grated cheddar cheese into the beaten egg whites until fully combined.

3. Shape the balls: Use a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to portion the cheese mixture into small mounds, and place them on a baking sheet.

4. Chill: Refrigerate the cheese balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

5. Heat the oil: In a Dutch oven, heat at least 4 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.

6. Fry the cheese balls: Carefully roll the chilled cheese balls between your palms to form gentle, airy balls. Drop several at a time into the hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 1-1.5 minutes per side.

7. Drain and serve: Remove the fried cheese balls using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 169 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 0.3g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 9mg

• Sodium: 68mg

• Potassium: 14mg

• Sugar: 0.1g

• Vitamin A: 95 IU

• Calcium: 67mg

• Iron: 0.02mg

The Secret to the Perfect Cheese Balls

The magic behind these Fried Cheese Balls lies in the texture. The egg whites provide a light, airy structure, giving the cheese balls their crispiness when fried, while the cheddar cheese inside melts into a gooey, savory center. The egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks, creating a fluffy base that holds the cheese in place. This method ensures that the cheese balls are light and crispy on the outside, with the perfect cheesy melt in the middle.

By using medium cheddar cheese, these fried cheese balls have a rich and tangy flavor that complements the crispy shell. The sharpness of the cheddar balances perfectly with the light, airy texture of the egg whites, providing an irresistible contrast in both texture and taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Cheese Balls

Preparing the Egg Whites
The first step in making these cheese balls is preparing the egg whites. Beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form is key to achieving the right texture. The egg whites should be foamy and firm, which helps create the crispy shell when fried. It’s important to ensure that the egg whites are at room temperature, as this will help them whip up more easily.

Incorporating the Cheese
Once the egg whites are ready, the grated cheddar cheese is gently folded into the mixture. It’s crucial to be gentle during this step to maintain the airy texture of the egg whites. The cheese should be fully incorporated, but you want to avoid deflating the egg whites, so take care when mixing.

Shaping the Cheese Balls
Next, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the cheese mixture into small mounds. This is where you can control the size of your cheese balls, but typically, each portion is about 1.5 tablespoons. Place the mounds on a baking sheet and refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the cheese balls helps them firm up, making them easier to handle and fry without falling apart.

Frying to Perfection
While the cheese balls chill, heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or deep pan. The oil should be deep enough to submerge the cheese balls—about 4 inches—and heated to 350°F. A thermometer is essential here to ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying. If the oil is too hot, the cheese balls may burn on the outside before the cheese has a chance to melt inside. If the oil is too cool, they may become greasy.

Once the oil is ready, gently roll the chilled cheese balls between your palms to form smooth, round balls. This helps to compact them slightly and ensures they fry evenly. Carefully drop the cheese balls into the hot oil in batches, frying them for 1 to 1.5 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.

Draining and Serving
After frying, remove the cheese balls using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step is essential to keep the cheese balls crispy without becoming greasy. Serve them immediately while they’re still hot and gooey, with your favorite dipping sauce—whether marinara, ranch, or even honey mustard. The warm, melty cheese inside is the ultimate indulgence.

Why These Cheese Balls Are So Irresistible

What makes these Fried Cheese Balls so irresistible is their balance of texture and flavor. The crispy golden crust provides a satisfying crunch, while the cheddar cheese inside melts into a gooey, savory center. The simplicity of the recipe, with only three ingredients, allows the cheese to truly shine, making each bite rich and flavorful. The egg whites create a delicate yet sturdy exterior, ensuring that each cheese ball holds together perfectly during frying.

Whether you’re serving these as an appetizer at a party or making them as a quick snack for yourself, Fried Cheese Balls are always a hit. Their cheesy, crispy goodness is bound to make them a favorite, and their versatility with various dipping sauces makes them even more fun to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

These Fried Cheese Balls can be served on their own as a simple, indulgent snack, or as part of a larger spread at your next gathering. Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces to complement the cheese balls. Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try ranch dressing, garlic butter, or spicy sriracha mayo for a unique twist.

• Party Platter: Arrange the fried cheese balls on a platter with some fresh vegetables, such as carrot sticks and celery, for a colorful and well-rounded appetizer spread.

• Game Day Snack: These cheese balls are perfect for game day. Pair them with chips, nachos, or even a cheese board for a fun and tasty snack.

Nutritional Breakdown

Each serving of Fried Cheese Balls contains 169 calories, with 18 grams of fat, including 4 grams of saturated fat. While these cheese balls are indulgent, they are relatively low in carbohydrates, making them a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. They also provide 3 grams of protein per serving, which is a nice bonus for a cheesy treat.

The cheese balls are rich in calcium, thanks to the cheddar cheese, and provide a small amount of vitamin A and iron, making them a satisfying treat with a hint of nutritional value.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Cheesy Snack

Fried Cheese Balls are the perfect indulgent snack that’s sure to satisfy your craving for something cheesy, crispy, and savory. With only three simple ingredients, they’re quick and easy to make, and the results are always impressive. Whether served at a party, during game night, or as a casual snack, these cheese balls deliver a satisfying bite with each crispy, gooey mouthful. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the melty, cheesy goodness inside every ball. These little bites of indulgence are sure to become a crowd favorite.