Description
Irresistibly crunchy cheese balls filled with creamy, smoky goodness and a spicy kick, perfect for parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, bacon, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth but slightly chunky.
- Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze the balls for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each ball in flour, dip in egg, and coat in panko.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the cheese balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot with dipping sauces.
Notes
Chilling the balls is crucial to prevent them from flattening during frying. Panko breadcrumbs yield a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: bacon, jalapeño, cheese balls, party appetizer, finger food