Fried Cheese Balls

By AzGrannie3

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz.) container mini mozzarella cheese balls
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups panko (or seasoned) breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• vegetable oil, as needed, for frying

Details

Servings 2
Preparation time 30mins
Cooking time 30mins
Adapted from 12tomatoes.com

Preparation

Step 1

We're not picky when it comes to different types, but we've made these fried morsels twice in the last week and wanted to shout from the roof tops how much we love them! Whether you buy little bocconcini balls of mozzarella or a giant block that you cut into squares or balls, you can't go wrong. These bite-sized snacks are to die for and you've got to try them out!!

Serves 2-4

2 eggs, lightly beaten

vegetable oil, as needed, for frying

Set up an assembly line with three shallow bowls: flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third.

Add garlic powder, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper to the panko breadcrumbs and mix together thoroughly.

Heat 3 inches of oil in a large Dutch oven to 375º F (make sure there's at least 2-3 inches of space between the top of the oil and the top of the pot).

Take your dry mozzarella balls in dredge each one thoroughly in flour. Shake off excess and then submerge them in eggs.

Drip off excess egg and roll them each in seasoned panko mixture, pressing firmly so it adheres.

Transfer balls to a baking sheet and place in freezer for 10-15 minutes, or until chilled.

Carefully lower cheese balls into 375º F oil and fry for 1-1 1/2 minutes, flipping occasionally, or until golden brown and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to remove cheese balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Serve immediately with cheese dip (no such thing as too much cheese) or marinara sauce.

Make This Fried Ravioli Appetizer And Keep The Party Going!

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