Oh my gosh, you have to try these garlic parmesan cheese balls! They’re my go-to party snack because they disappear faster than I can make them. Crispy on the outside, melty-cheesy on the inside, with that perfect garlicky punch – they’re everything you want in a bite-sized appetizer.
I first made these for a last-minute girls’ night when I realized I had zero time to cook. Twenty minutes later, my friends were fighting over the last one! What I love most (besides the flavor) is how ridiculously easy they are. Just mix, roll, quick fry to get them golden, then finish in the oven while you pour the wine. They’re foolproof, impressive, and the kind of snack people beg you to make again.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Cheese Balls
Trust me, these little bites of heaven check ALL the boxes:
- Quick magic: From bowl to table in under 30 minutes (perfect for surprise guests!)
- Texture bliss: That golden crunch gives way to oozy, stretchy cheese inside
- Flavor bomb: Garlic + parmesan is a match made in snack heaven
- Party MVP: Equally happy next to marinara at dinner or ranch at game night
My favorite part? Watching people’s eyes light up after their first bite – total crowd-pleaser every time!
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Cheese Balls
Here’s the beautiful simplicity of this recipe – just a handful of ingredients you probably already have! But trust me, the quality matters here:
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese – Use the real stuff from the refrigerated section, not the shelf-stable powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella – The stringy, melty magic that makes these irresistible
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Panko works great for extra crunch
- 1 egg – Our binding superstar at room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is non-negotiable for that punchy flavor
- 1 tsp dried oregano – My Italian grandma’s secret touch
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – Freshly cracked adds subtle heat
- 1/4 tsp salt – Go light since the cheeses are salty
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For that perfect golden fry
See? Nothing fancy – just honest ingredients that transform into something magical together!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Cheese Balls
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these little cheesy wonders! Don’t worry if you’re not a pro in the kitchen – this recipe is seriously foolproof. Just follow these steps and you’ll have golden, garlicky perfection in no time.
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). Now grab your biggest mixing bowl (trust me, you’ll want the space). Dump in the parmesan, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, oregano, pepper and salt. Here’s my secret: use your hands to mix! The warmth helps everything come together into this glorious sticky, cheesy dough. You’ll know it’s ready when you can pinch a bit and it holds its shape without crumbling.
Step 2: Shape and Fry
Now for the satisfying part – roll that mixture into little balls about the size of a ping pong ball. Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (you’ll know it’s ready when a breadcrumb sizzles). Carefully add your cheese balls – don’t crowd them! Fry for about 2 minutes per side until they get that gorgeous golden crust. They’ll still be soft inside – that’s perfect!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your golden beauties to a baking sheet (line it with parchment for easy cleanup). Pop them in the oven for exactly 10 minutes – this melts everything together inside while keeping that crispy exterior. The smell will drive you crazy! They’re done when they’re slightly puffed and irresistible looking. Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue – though I won’t judge if you can’t wait!
Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Cheese Balls
After making these dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – no shame!), here are my foolproof secrets:
- Garlic rule: Freshly minced garlic only – that jarred stuff just won’t give you the same punch
- Mix gently: Stop as soon as ingredients combine – overworking makes tough cheese balls
- Oil test: Drop in a breadcrumb – if it sizzles immediately, you’re golden (literally!)
- Size matters: Keep balls small for the ideal crispy-to-melty ratio
Pro tip from my kitchen fails: Resist the urge to peek while baking – that oven door slam kills the crispiness!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Cheese Balls
Oh, the possibilities with these little flavor bombs! My absolute favorite way is with a side of warm marinara – that classic combo never fails. But don’t stop there! Here’s how we love them:
- Game day hero: Pile them high next to ranch dressing (add a sprinkle of extra parm on top – chef’s kiss!)
- Fancy appetizer: Serve with garlic aioli and a drizzle of honey for sweet-salty perfection
- Pasta’s best friend: Toss a few on top of spaghetti for an instant upgrade
- Midnight snack: Eaten straight from the baking sheet while standing in the kitchen – no judgment here!
The best part? They disappear whether you dress them up or keep it simple. Just make extra – you’ll thank me later!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the good news – these garlic parmesan cheese balls keep beautifully if, by some miracle, you have leftovers! Just pop them in an airtight container (I like layering them with parchment paper so they don’t stick). They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Now, reheating is where magic happens. Skip the microwave unless you love soggy cheese balls (yuck!). Instead, spread them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for about 5 minutes – you’ll get that crispy-on-the-outside, melty-on-the-inside perfection all over again. Trust me, they’ll taste just-made every time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each delicious garlic parmesan cheese ball (but let’s be real – you’re not eating just one!). Remember: nutrition varies based on your ingredients and brands. These are estimates per cheese ball:
- Calories: 60
- Fat: 4g
- Carbs: 3g
- Protein: 3g
Perfect little protein-packed bites if you ask me – not that we’re counting when they taste this good!
Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, I’ve gotten the same excited questions about these garlic parmesan cheese balls from friends and readers. Here are the answers to everything you might be wondering!
Can I make these in an air fryer instead?
Absolutely! My air fryer version comes out just as crispy. After shaping the balls, spray them lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for about 8 minutes, shaking halfway. You might need to work in batches, but it’s worth it!
Can I freeze garlic parmesan cheese balls?
You bet! Freeze them before baking – just place shaped balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When cravings hit, bake straight from frozen (add 3-5 extra minutes). Perfect for emergency snack attacks!
What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
No breadcrumbs? No problem! Crushed pork rinds or almond flour work great for low-carb versions. For gluten-free, try gluten-free panko. My cousin even used crushed cornflakes once in a pinch – shockingly delicious!
Why do mine sometimes fall apart?
Usually means your mixture needs more binding. Add an extra egg yolk or let the dough rest 10 minutes before shaping – the breadcrumbs absorb moisture and help everything stick together better.
Share Your Feedback
Did you make these garlic parmesan cheese balls? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Leave a comment or tag me in your snack-tastic photos – your kitchen adventures make my day!
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Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Cheese Balls in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 20 cheese balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy garlic parmesan cheese balls are a delicious appetizer. They combine the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan in a golden, bite-sized snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix parmesan, mozzarella, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, pepper, and salt in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Heat olive oil in a pan and lightly fry the balls until golden.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with marinara or ranch dressing.
- Add chili flakes for extra spice.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking & Frying
- Cuisine: Italian