How to Deep Fry Cheese Balls

For a fast, flavorful and fun appetizer, try deep fried cheese balls. Mozzarella is a favorite cheese for this dish, which is popular in restaurants and at home. Serve the fried cheese balls with a medley of other deep fried vegetables to create an inexpensive sampler.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cheese, such as mozzarella, cut into cubes
• Flour
• Deep fryer
• Cooking oil
• Breading material, such as breadcrumbs or pre-packaged mix
• Beaten eggs
• Seasoning, such as Parmesan cheese, garlic or thyme
• Paper or plastic bag
• Paper plates for breading station
• Several bowls
• Tongs and spoons
• Paper towels
• Dipping sauce, such as marinara

1. Cut the mozzarella into bite-size pieces. Roll the pieces into balls and place in a sealable plastic bag with flour. Shake the bag to coat the cheese. As an alternative, place the balls on a plate with flour and roll until coated.

2. Heat the oil in the deep fryer to 360 degrees F. Use vegetable oil.

3. Beat the eggs thoroughly. Use a little water to thin the mixture. Spoon the flour-coated balls into egg mixture and coat generously.

4. Use a spoon to drop the balls onto a plate of seasoned breading mixture. The breading mixture may be seasoned or Italian bread crumbs or a pre-packaged breading mix. Add a little grated Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning, like garlic or thyme, to the breading mixture, if desired. Coat the balls completely with the breading mixture; use hands if necessary.

5. Place the balls into the deep fryer. Watch carefully, as the cheese cooks quickly. Cook until golden brown, approximately 10 to 30 seconds. Cooking time varies, based on the number of balls cooked, the age of the oil and the type of deep fryer. Do not overcook.

6. Remove the fried cheese balls from the deep fryer. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve with dipping sauce. A chunky marinara sauce is a popular choice.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep mozzarella cheese balls from sticking to the basket, add it to the deep fryer basket after the basket has been lowered into the hot oil.
• Place the floured cheese balls in the freezer briefly to harden. This helps prevent the cheese from overcooking and developing melted cheese strings.
• Always have a fire extinguisher available when working with hot oil and deep fryers. Follow kitchen safety rules. Never allow children near a deep fryer while cooking.
• Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when operating a deep fryer.
• Always follow food and kitchen safety rules. Prevent cross-contamination when working with raw eggs; wash hands and surfaces with soap and hot water and dry with paper towels.

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[kaseysviewblog]

on 1/26/2008 Sounds delicious, I'll have to try it for the superbowl.

[Mischief]

on 1/24/2008 Very very good.

[bmi57]

on 10/1/2007 Yummy!! I love deep fried cheese balls, now I know how to make them. Thank you.