Cheese balls

Crispy cheese balls - a delicious, simple, and quick recipe

Who doesn't love a delicious appetizer that delights the taste buds? Cheese balls are just what you need to turn a simple meal into a feast full of flavors. This dish is easy to make, requiring simple ingredients but with exceptional taste, and it can be adapted to your preferences. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as a main course, cheese balls will surely be a hit.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 300 g cheese (any type you prefer: sheep cheese, burduf cheese, cheese, or even cottage cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Sea salt with herbs
- 100 g breadcrumbs (for a crispy crust)
- 1 egg (for brushing the balls)

Necessary utensils

- Grater or food processor
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by choosing your favorite cheese. You can use whatever you have on hand, and the combinations are limitless. For example, sheep cheese will provide an intense flavor, while cheese will add a softer texture.

2. Grating: Grate the cheese or use a food processor to chop it. Make sure the cheese is finely grated so that it integrates perfectly into the dough.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the grated cheese, the two eggs, flour, sea salt with herbs, and baking powder. Mix well with a spoon or spatula until you obtain a homogeneous and firm dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour.

4. Shaping the balls: Wet your hands to shape the dough into balls the size of golf balls. Place the balls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them as they will puff up while baking.

5. The crispy topping: For the breaded version, beat an egg in one bowl and prepare the breadcrumbs in another. Dipping the balls in beaten egg and then in breadcrumbs will create a delicious crispy crust. Choose to leave them plain or breaded, depending on your preferences.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Bake the balls for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them to bake evenly. Leave them in the oven for another 10 minutes until they become golden and crispy.

7. Serving: Remove the balls from the oven and let them cool slightly. We recommend serving them warm, alongside a spicy pepper jam, which will add the perfect contrast. This appetizer can also be enjoyed with a fresh salad or a flavored yogurt sauce.

Useful tips

- Ingredients: Be creative with the cheese! You can combine several types for a more complex flavor. If you want to make them lighter, you can replace part of the cheese with tofu or Greek yogurt.
- Jam: Choose a spicy pepper jam that you like, but you can also try a spicy tomato sauce or a yogurt sauce with mint.
- Variations: Add spices like oregano, basil, or paprika to the dough for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional benefits

Cheese balls are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. Depending on the type of cheese chosen, you can benefit from calcium, B vitamins, and antioxidants. If you choose to bake them, you will significantly reduce the fat content compared to the fried version, making them a healthier choice.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use soy cheese? Yes, for a vegetarian or vegan version, soy cheese is an excellent choice.
2. How can I store the cheese balls? You can store the cheese balls in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their crispiness.
3. What drinks pair well? These balls pair perfectly with a dry white wine or a craft beer. Also, a fresh citrus-based cocktail would be an excellent choice.

I hope this cheese ball recipe inspires you to discover new delicious combinations in the kitchen. Don't forget to share your creations with loved ones and enjoy every crispy bite! Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!