Print

Crispy Cheese Jalapeno Balls Recipe

Crispy Cheese Jalapeno Balls Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Crispy Cheese Jalapeno Balls are a spicy, cheesy appetizer featuring fresh jalapenos combined with sharp cheddar and cream cheese, coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfectly crispy on the outside with a creamy, flavorful center, these bites offer a delightful balance of heat and cheese, ideal for parties and casual snacking.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese 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
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For Frying

  • Vegetable oil for deep frying (enough to fill a frying pan about 2-3 inches deep)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving a crispy, golden crust without absorbing too much oil.
  2. Prepare Jalapenos: Wash the fresh jalapenos thoroughly. Slice each pepper in half lengthwise, then remove seeds and membranes if you prefer less heat. Leaving some seeds will add extra spice.
  3. Mix Cheese and Jalapenos: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Fold in the sliced jalapenos evenly.
  4. Form Balls: Using clean hands or a small scoop, roll the cheese and jalapeno mixture into golf ball-sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they hold together firmly.
  5. Prepare Coating Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper; one with the beaten eggs; and one with the panko breadcrumbs. These will be used to coat the balls evenly for a crunchy finish.
  6. Coat the Balls: Take each cheese ball and dredge it first in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs to cover, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs until completely coated. This triple-step coating ensures maximum crispiness.
  7. Fry the Balls: Carefully place the coated balls in the preheated oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until they turn a deep golden brown, turning occasionally for even cooking.
  8. Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried balls and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, perfect as a spicy appetizer or party snack.

Notes

  • For less heat, remove all jalapeno seeds and membranes before mixing.
  • Use gloves when handling jalapenos to avoid skin irritation.
  • Make sure the oil temperature stays steady at 350°F for the best fry texture.
  • These balls can be kept warm in a low oven (~200°F) if preparing in batches.
  • Feel free to substitute sharp cheddar with pepper jack for extra spice variation.
  • To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeno balls, cheese jalapeno bites, crispy jalapeno snacks, spicy cheese appetizer, fried jalapeno cheese balls

Find it online: https://cookedbycleo.com/crispy-cheese-jalapeno-balls-recipe/