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A white plate piled high with golden-brown fried Cheese Jalapeño Balls. One ball in the center has been broken open, revealing the gooey, melted white cheese filling inside.

Crispy Cheese Jalapeño Balls (Spicy Fried Appetizer)


  • Author: Samantha Brooks
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 20-25 balls (approx. 4 servings) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cheese Jalapeño Balls are the ultimate spicy, cheesy appetizer that everyone will crave! They feature a creamy, rich blend of softened cream cheese and zesty Pepper Jack, spiked with fresh diced jalapeños and a kick of sriracha sauce. Coated in a crispy double layer of panko and plain breadcrumbs, these bites are fried to a golden, crunchy perfection, offering an irresistible combination of creamy filling and fiery flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Creamy Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 3 jalapenos seeded and diced
  • 2 tablespoon sriracha sauce

For the Coating

  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Frying

  • Peanut oil or canola oil for frying

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 8 oz softened cream cheese, 2 cups of shredded Pepper Jack cheese, 3 seeded and diced jalapeños, and 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is smooth.

Step 2: Shape and Freeze
Scoop the mixture and form it into uniform balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). Place these balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and transfer them to the freezer for a mandatory 30 minutes. This is vital to firm up the cheese.

Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Stations
Set up your three coating bowls: The first with the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. The second with the 2 beaten eggs. In the third bowl, combine the 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix the seasonings thoroughly into the breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Heat the Oil
Heat your peanut oil or canola oil in a deep fryer or a large, thick-bottomed pot. Use a thermometer to ensure the temperature reaches a steady 350°F.

Step 5: Dredge the Balls
Remove the cheese balls from the freezer. Dip each ball first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally, thoroughly coat the ball with the spiced bread crumbs mixture.

Step 6: Fry Until Golden
Fry the cheese balls in batches several bites at once for 2 to 3 minutes. They are done when they are perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside. Pro Tip: Do not overcrowd the fryer, as this will drop the oil temperature and result in greasy cheese balls.

Step 7: Drain and Serve
Remove the fried balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately, perhaps with a cooling dip like ranch dressing.

Notes

Make-Ahead & Storage: You can prepare the cheese filling, form the balls, and freeze them for up to 1 month before frying. Simply transfer the frozen balls to a freezer bag and proceed directly with the coating steps when ready to cook.

Alternative Baking Method: While frying yields the best crunch, you can bake them. Bake at 400°F on a lightly oiled baking sheet for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden.

Control the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer and maintain the oil temperature as close to 350°F as possible. Cold oil leads to greasy cheese balls, and hot oil burns the coating before the cheese melts.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Deep Fry
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 balls
  • Calories: 365
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 485mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cheese jalapeno balls, spicy appetizer, fried cheese bites, panko coating, pepper jack recipe, sriracha snack, game day food