Garlic Cheese Balls with Gooey Mozzarella: The Ultimate Cheesy Delight

Introduction

If you’re a cheese lover, then Garlic Cheese Balls with Gooey Mozzarella will quickly become one of your favorite snacks. These bite-sized delights combine a golden, crispy exterior with a warm, melty mozzarella center that stretches with every bite. Infused with aromatic garlic and herbs, they are the perfect appetizer, party snack, or side dish for a deliciously indulgent treat.

Whether you’re serving them with marinara sauce, ranch dip, or enjoying them on their own, these Garlic Cheese Balls are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step recipe, share expert baking and frying tips, and explore variations to customize your cheese balls for any occasion.

What Are Garlic Cheese Balls?

Garlic Cheese Balls are crispy, bite-sized delights filled with melty mozzarella and seasoned with garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese. They can be deep-fried, baked, or even air-fried for a slightly healthier twist.

The magic lies in their gooey mozzarella filling, which oozes out when you take a bite. Whether you serve them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they always impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start making these cheesy, garlicky bites, gather the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup warm milk
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Cheese Filling:

• 16 small cubes mozzarella cheese (about 1-inch each)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For Coating & Frying:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For Garnishing & Dipping:

• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• Extra grated parmesan cheese
• Marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic butter for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making Garlic Cheese Balls with Gooey Mozzarella step by step.

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese.
2. Add in warm milk and melted butter, then mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead for about 2 minutes, then cover and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Shape and Fill the Balls

1. Divide the dough into 16 equal portions.
2. Flatten each piece into a small circle and place a mozzarella cube in the center.
3. Sprinkle a bit of garlic powder and red pepper flakes over the cheese.
4. Seal the dough around the cheese, rolling it into a smooth ball to ensure no cheese leaks out during cooking.

Step 3: Coat the Cheese Balls

1. Set up a breading station with three bowls:
   • Bowl 1: Flour
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
   • Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder
2. Roll each ball in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat for a crispier crust.

Step 4: Fry the Cheese Balls

1. Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry the cheese balls in batches for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and grated parmesan.
2. Serve hot with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic butter.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Cheese Balls

To make sure your Garlic Cheese Balls turn out crispy and gooey every time, follow these expert tips:

• Use cold mozzarella cubes – This prevents them from melting too quickly while frying.
• Double coat for extra crunch – Dipping the balls twice in egg and breadcrumbs creates a thicker, crispier coating.
• Seal the dough completely – Make sure no gaps remain, or the cheese will leak while frying.
• Chill before frying – Placing the coated balls in the fridge for 10-15 minutes helps them hold their shape.
• Maintain oil temperature – Keep the oil at 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking without absorbing too much oil.

Baked & Air-Fried Alternatives

Want a lighter version of Garlic Cheese Balls? Try these methods:

Baked Version:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place coated cheese balls on a greased baking sheet.
3. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.

Air-Fried Version:

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange cheese balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Air-fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Try these delicious variations:

• Jalapeño Cheese Balls: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.
• Cheddar Garlic Balls: Use cheddar cheese cubes instead of mozzarella.
• Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Balls: Wrap each cheese ball with thin bacon slices before frying.
• Truffle Parmesan Cheese Balls: Drizzle with truffle oil and top with parmesan shavings.

What to Serve with Garlic Cheese Balls

These cheesy bites pair perfectly with:

• Marinara Sauce – A classic dipping choice with tangy tomato flavors.
• Ranch Dressing – A creamy and herby dip for added richness.
• Garlic Aioli – A garlicky mayo-based dip for extra flavor.
• Pesto Sauce – A fresh and herby twist to balance the richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Garlic Cheese Balls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and fill the balls a day ahead, storing them in the fridge. Fry or bake when ready.

2. Can I freeze Garlic Cheese Balls?

Absolutely! Freeze them uncooked on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

3. How do I reheat them?

Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes.

4. Can I use pre-made dough?

Yes! Store-bought pizza dough or biscuit dough works well as a shortcut.

Conclusion

Garlic Cheese Balls with Gooey Mozzarella are the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether deep-fried, baked, or air-fried, these crispy, cheesy bites are sure to be a hit with friends and family. With a golden crust, rich garlic flavor, and melty mozzarella center, they are irresistibly delicious. Try them today and enjoy the ultimate cheese lover’s dream!

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