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Cheese Balls Recipe

4.6 from 119 reviews

These crispy and flavorful cheese balls feature a creamy goat cheese and Parmesan mixture, coated in golden breadcrumbs and fresh herbs. Baked to perfection, they make a delightful appetizer or snack with a crispy exterior and a soft, tangy center.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

  • 8 oz goat cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs, chopped (such as parsley, thyme, or basil)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Breading

  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
  3. Form the balls: Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, take portions of the cheese mixture and roll them between your hands into balls about 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are evenly shaped.
  4. Set up the breading station: Pour the beaten egg into a shallow dish and place the breadcrumbs in another shallow dish for easy dipping and coating.
  5. Coat the cheese balls: Dip each cheese ball into the beaten egg, then roll it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks well to the surface.
  6. Arrange and oil: Place the coated cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to promote browning and a crispy texture.
  7. Bake to golden perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese balls turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  8. Cool and serve: Remove the cheese balls from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns and to let them firm up a bit.

Notes

  • Ensure the goat cheese is softened to make mixing and shaping easier.
  • Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs creates a crispier coating.
  • Feel free to experiment with different fresh herbs like chives or oregano for varying flavors.
  • Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.

Keywords: cheese balls, baked cheese balls, goat cheese appetizer, crispy cheese balls, party snacks, herb cheese balls