Description
Cheese jalapeño balls deliver a spicy kick of flavor that dances on taste buds. Perfectly golden and crunchy, these irresistible bites will become an instant crowd-pleaser you can’t stop munching.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 100 g (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 medium jalapenos, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
Coating and Binding:
- 100 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 150 g (1 ½ cups) breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and velvety cream cheese with finely diced jalapenos, creating a harmonious flavor foundation.
- Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring until the mixture achieves a cohesive and slightly tacky consistency.
- Using a tablespoon measure, carefully extract portions of the cheese blend and gently roll between palms to form uniform spherical shapes.
- Systematically create approximately 20-25 compact cheese orbs, ensuring consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet and arrange the delicate cheese spheres with precision.
- Transfer the tray to the freezer, allowing the balls to chill and solidify for 15-20 minutes, which enhances structural integrity and facilitates subsequent coating and frying processes.
- The brief freezing interval will help maintain the balls’ shape and prevent potential disintegration during the cooking phase.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeno seeds for a milder version or adding extra for heat lovers.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
- Gluten-free option works perfectly by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Baking alternative provides a healthier twist: place cheese balls on a greased baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg