Irresistible Crispy Cheese Jalapeno Balls Recipe
These Irresistible Crispy Cheese Jalapeno Balls are a spicy and cheesy appetizer perfect for any gathering. Made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and fresh jalapenos, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to golden perfection, they offer a delightful combination of creamy filling and crunchy exterior that’s sure to please cheese and spice lovers alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 cheese jalapeno balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Jalapeno Mixture
- 1 cup fresh jalapenos (about 3–4 peppers)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Frying
- Oil for deep frying (enough to fill a deep frying pan to at least 2-3 inches depth)
Instructions
- Preheat Oil: Pour oil into a deep frying pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is hot enough to fry the cheese jalapeno balls evenly and achieve a crispy crust.
- Prepare Jalapenos: Wash the jalapenos thoroughly, slice each pepper in half lengthwise, and remove seeds if you prefer less heat. Drain the jalapenos well to avoid excess moisture.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and evenly blended. Fold in the prepared jalapenos to distribute the spicy flavor throughout.
- Shape the Balls: Take portions of the cheese and jalapeno mixture and roll them into golf ball-sized balls using your hands, ensuring they are compact and hold their shape well for frying.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Arrange three separate bowls: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Roll each cheese ball first in the flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs to form an even crust.
- Fry the Balls: Carefully place the coated cheese jalapeno balls into the hot oil in batches, frying them for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Drain and Serve: Once fried, remove the balls with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve hot to enjoy the melty cheese and crispy exterior at their best.
Notes
- Removing jalapeno seeds reduces the heat level for a milder flavor.
- Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying to avoid greasy or soggy balls.
- These cheese jalapeno balls are best served immediately for maximum crispness.
- You can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Keywords: cheese jalapeno balls, deep fried jalapeno balls, cheesy appetizers, fried cheese snacks, spicy cheese bites
