Description
Transform just three simple ingredients into crispy golden cheese balls with melty centers. This foolproof recipe delivers restaurant-quality appetizers in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded Gouda cheese (8 ounces)
- 1 egg or 2 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cracker crumbs for dredging (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Your favorite sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Mix the cheese, egg, and cornstarch in a large bowl using an electric mixer or by hand until a soft dough forms. The mixture should hold together when pressed.
- Scoop 2 teaspoons of dough and roll into balls between your palms. Roll in cracker crumbs if desired. Place on a lined tray.
- Refrigerate cheese balls for 30 minutes until thoroughly chilled. This prevents them from falling apart during frying.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a medium frying pan. Fry cheese balls until golden brown, about 30-60 seconds per side, turning once.
- Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce while hot and melty.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and binding properties
- Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F to ensure even cooking without burning
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in small batches for best results
- Test one cheese ball first to check oil temperature and timing before frying the rest
- Double the recipe and freeze unfried balls for quick appetizers anytime
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cheese balls
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheese ball appetizers, crispy cheese bites, gouda cheese balls, easy party snacks, melted cheese recipes, quick fried appetizers, three ingredient recipes