Cheese Balls Recipe
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.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cheese balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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