This easy recipe for Mozzarella Cheese Balls requires only three simple ingredients: mozzarella cheese, cornstarch, and an egg. It’s a quick and delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a savory side dish. The cheese balls are crispy on the outside and soft and gooey on the inside, thanks to the melted mozzarella. The cornstarch helps to bind the ingredients together and creates a crunchy golden crust when fried. This recipe is incredibly simple, and once you see how easy it is, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
Here are the three main ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious mozzarella cheese balls:
- 300 grams of mozzarella cheese (grated)
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch (maizena)
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Making It Step by Step
Step 1: Grate the Mozzarella Cheese
Begin by grating 300 grams of mozzarella cheese. Use a medium-sized grater to get even shreds of cheese. Grating the cheese will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients and will help it melt nicely when you cook the cheese balls.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Once you’ve grated the mozzarella cheese, place it in a medium-sized bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of cornstarch to the cheese. Crack one egg into the mixture.
Using a spoon, mix the ingredients together until they start to combine. The cornstarch will help bind the cheese and egg, and the mixture will gradually become thicker.
Step 3: Use Your Hands to Knead the Dough
After mixing with the spoon, use your hands to knead the cheese mixture. Continue kneading until the dough has a smooth, uniform consistency. It should feel like a soft dough, similar to bread dough. If necessary, you can lightly dust your hands with extra cornstarch to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Once the dough has come together, transfer it to a clean surface, such as a cutting board or countertop. Shape the dough into a large rectangle or roll it into a log. The goal is to create an even shape that you can cut into portions.
Step 5: Cut and Shape the Cheese Balls
Using a knife, cut the dough in half, then cut each half into several smaller portions. Roll each portion into a small ball using your hands. You should end up with bite-sized cheese balls, roughly the size of a large marble. Repeat this process with the entire batch of dough.
Step 6: Prepare the Oil for Frying
In a large frying pan or skillet, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the cheese balls while frying. The oil should be heated over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and starts to bubble, the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
Step 7: Fry the Cheese Balls
Carefully place the cheese balls into the hot oil, one at a time. Fry the cheese balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese balls are golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to turn the cheese balls as they cook, ensuring they fry evenly on all sides. Once they are done, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 8: Serve the Cheese Balls
After the cheese balls have drained and cooled slightly, they are ready to serve. These mozzarella cheese balls are best enjoyed warm when the cheese is still gooey on the inside. You can serve them with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or a spicy chili sauce for added flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is the cheese of choice for this recipe, you can substitute it with other semi-soft cheeses such as cheddar, gouda, or even provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Frying Temperature: Keep the oil at medium heat to ensure the cheese balls cook evenly. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the cheese inside melts; if it’s too cold, the cheese balls may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Cornstarch Substitute: If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can substitute it with potato starch or all-purpose flour. However, cornstarch is preferred for its light, crispy texture when fried.
- Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, you can bake the cheese balls in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), place the cheese balls on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Storage
- In the Refrigerator: If you have any leftover cheese balls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or a pan to crisp them up again.
- In the Freezer: You can also freeze uncooked cheese balls. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, but add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: Approximately 280 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Calcium: 20% of daily recommended intake
- Iron: 4% of daily recommended intake
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other semi-soft or firm cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even parmesan. The texture might change slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious. - What can I serve with these cheese balls?
These cheese balls are perfect with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or a spicy dipping sauce. You can also serve them alongside a salad or as a side to a pasta dish. - Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the cheese balls in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. This is a healthier option with less oil. - Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying. Alternatively, you can freeze them for longer storage. - How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out while frying?
Make sure to seal the cheese balls well and fry them at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the cheese may melt too quickly and burst out of the balls.
Conclusion
These Mozzarella Cheese Balls with Cornstarch are a quick and easy recipe that anyone can make at home. With just three simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of crispy, cheesy delights in no time. Whether served as an appetizer, a party snack, or a side dish, these cheese balls are sure to impress. Their crunchy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior make them an irresistible treat. With endless possibilities for customization, you can experiment with different cheeses, spices, and sauces to make this recipe your own. Enjoy these golden, crispy cheese balls while they’re hot, and watch them disappear off the plate!