Mozzarella Cheese Balls (Printable View)

Golden crispy cheese balls with melty mozzarella center. Quick easy appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese

01 - 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 3/4-inch cubes

→ Breading

02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
05 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Frying

09 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

# How-To Steps:

01 - Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian herbs; one with beaten eggs; and one with breadcrumbs.
02 - Pat the mozzarella cubes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better coating adhesion.
03 - Roll each mozzarella cube in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for a double coating.
04 - Place breaded cheese balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to help the coating set before frying.
05 - Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F for deep frying.
06 - Fry the cheese balls in batches for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain proper oil temperature.
07 - Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between that crunchy exterior and the molten cheese center is absolutely addictive
  • They come together faster than you can preheat the oven for frozen appetizers
  • Everyone thinks you spent hours making something fancy
02 -
  • Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature and makes the breading soggy instead of crispy
  • If the cheese starts leaking into the oil, your oil is not hot enough or you are frying too long
  • These need to be eaten hot while that cheese is still molten and irresistible
03 -
  • Freeze the cheese cubes for 15 minutes before breading if your kitchen is warm
  • Let the fried balls rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels for maximum crunch

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