Crispy Chilli Cheese Balls
American recipes

Crispy Chilli Cheese Balls

ClassicSnackVegetarianSpicy8

These crispy chilli cheese balls are a proper crowd-pleasing snack: crunchy on the outside, creamy and melty in the middle, with enough fresh chilli to give them a good kick.

They work well as a party starter, game-night snack or side dish, especially served hot with spicy mayo, garlic dip or sweet chilli sauce.

Method

25m10m1h 35m
  1. Put the cream cheese, grated mozzarella, chopped chillies, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and salt into a mixing bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly until the chillies and seasoning are evenly distributed through the cheese mixture.
  3. Scoop the mixture into small golf-ball-sized portions, then roll into balls with clean hands. You should get around 16-18 balls.
  4. Place the balls on a lined tray and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or freeze for 30 minutes, until firm.
  5. Set up three shallow bowls: one with plain flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
  6. Roll each chilled cheese ball in the flour, dip into the beaten egg, then coat fully in breadcrumbs.
  7. For a thicker, crunchier shell, dip each ball back into the egg and coat again in breadcrumbs.
  8. Heat the oil in a deep saucepan to 170-180°C. Fry the balls in small batches for 1-2 minutes, turning gently, until golden and crisp.
  9. Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Serve hot while the centre is soft and melty.

Ingredients

  • 250g cream cheese softened
  • 150g mozzarella grated
  • 7-8 fresh chillies finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 100g Plain Flour for coating
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 150g panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 litre Vegetable Oil for deep frying

Notes

Use jalapeños for a milder heat or serrano chillies for a sharper kick.

Do not overcrowd the pan, as the oil temperature will drop and the coating may split.

If the balls soften too much while breading, chill them again before frying.

Serve with spicy mayo, garlic dip, ranch dressing or sweet chilli sauce.

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American
Classic
Snack
Vegetarian

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