Description
Crispy, golden fried cheese balls made with shredded Gouda cheese, egg, and cornstarch, perfect as a delicious appetizer served hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 2 cups Shredded Gouda Cheese (8 ounces)
- 1 Egg (or 2 egg whites)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
Coating and Frying
- 1/2 cup Cracker Crumbs (optional, for dredging)
- Vegetable Oil (for frying)
For Serving
- Your Favorite Sauce (for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Using an electric mixer or mixing by hand, combine shredded Gouda cheese, the egg (or egg whites), and cornstarch (or flour) in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Form cheese balls: Scoop about 2 teaspoons of the dough and roll it between your palms into a ball shape. Optionally, roll each ball in cracker crumbs to create a crispy coating. Place the formed balls on a tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until thoroughly chilled to help them hold their shape during frying.
- Heat oil for frying: In a medium frying pan, pour enough vegetable oil to allow shallow or deep frying. Heat the oil over high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), the ideal temperature for frying to get crispy and golden results.
- Fry the cheese balls: Carefully add cheese balls to the hot oil, frying them until golden brown on each side. Turn once to ensure even frying, cooking about 30 to 60 seconds per side. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain proper oil temperature.
- Drain and serve: Remove fried cheese balls and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot paired with your favorite dipping sauce for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Chilling the cheese balls before frying helps them retain their shape and prevents melting too quickly.
- Use vegetable oil with a high smoke point like canola or sunflower oil for best frying results.
- For a lighter option, use egg whites instead of whole egg.
- If you prefer gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
- Serve immediately for optimal crispiness as the cheese balls can soften once cooled.
