Cheese balls

Crispy cheese balls: A simple and savory delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

The history of cheese balls is rich in flavor and tradition. These little delights are appreciated in many cultures, each having its own special variant. Today, I present you with a simple yet incredibly tasty recipe that will bring a touch of joy to every meal. Whether served as an appetizer or a snack, cheese balls are perfect for any occasion.

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g creamy cheese (I warmly recommend President cheese with blue packaging)
- 60 g breadcrumbs
- 40 g grated parmesan
- 2 eggs
- a pinch of turmeric
- a teaspoon of mustard (preferably whole grain for added texture)
- a pinch of baking soda
- flour and breadcrumbs in equal amounts for coating the balls
- oil for frying

Useful tips for ingredients:
- Choose a quality creamy cheese that has a fine texture and pleasant taste. President cheese is an excellent choice due to its creaminess and rich flavor.
- Whole grain mustard adds a note of originality, but you can also use classic mustard if you prefer.
- Turmeric will not only give the balls a beautiful color but also has nutritional benefits, being known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Step by step preparation of cheese balls:

1. In a large bowl, mix the creamy cheese with the eggs. Use a fork or whisk to combine the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, turmeric, mustard, and baking soda. Mix again to integrate all the ingredients. You will get a creamy and slightly sticky mixture, perfect for forming the balls.
3. Prepare a plate with flour and breadcrumbs mixed in equal amounts. This mixture will help the balls stay crispy on the outside.
4. With wet hands, take a portion of the cheese mixture and form small balls. Make sure they are of uniform size for even frying.
5. Roll each cheese ball in the flour and breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are well coated. This will create a crispy crust during frying.
6. In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the balls; otherwise, they will absorb the oil and not become crispy.
7. Fry the balls for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow for even frying.
8. Once the balls are ready, remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Then transfer them to a platter and let them cool slightly.

Enjoy! Serve the cheese balls hot, alongside a yogurt or mustard sauce for a delicious contrast. These appetizers are perfect for parties or movie nights at home, and their combination of textures will delight any taste buds.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with other types of cheese, but make sure to choose a creamy cheese to achieve the same consistency.
- How can I make the balls less greasy? You can bake the balls in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Is this recipe vegetarian? Yes, cheese balls are an excellent choice for vegetarians.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Cheese balls are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. However, they are also high in fats, so it's best to consume them in moderation. One serving (about 3 balls) has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used for frying.

Possible variations:
- Add herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- Experiment with spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- You can replace parmesan with feta cheese for a Greek variant.

Now that you know how to prepare these delicious cheese balls, feel free to try them out and customize your recipe to your taste. Whether served as an appetizer or turned into a quick snack, cheese balls will surely become a family favorite.