Crispy Fried Cheese Balls (Ooey Gooey Center)
Golden and crunchy outside, melty stretchy cheese inside — perfect snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella (best for stretch)
- 1 cup cheddar or gouda (for flavor)
- 1 cup mashed potatoes or thick béchamel sauce (helps bind)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
For Coating
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1.5 cups breadcrumbs (panko = extra crispy)
For Frying
- Oil for deep frying
Method
1. Make Filling
Mix:
- mozzarella
- cheddar
- mashed potatoes or thick béchamel
- spices
- parsley
Mix until you get a thick dough-like mixture.
2. Shape Balls
Take small portions and roll into balls.
Extra gooey trick: Put a cube of mozzarella in the center of each ball.
3. Chill
Freeze or refrigerate 30 minutes.
(This prevents bursting while frying.)
4. Coat
Roll each ball in:
- Flour
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
For extra crunch: repeat egg + breadcrumbs again.
5. Fry
Heat oil to 175°C / 350°F
Fry 2–3 minutes until deep golden brown.
Drain on paper towel.
Serve With
- Marinara sauce
- Garlic mayo
- Spicy ketchup
- Ranch
Pro Tips for Maximum Cheese Pull
- Use mozzarella only or mostly mozzarella.
- Freeze balls 30 minutes before frying.
- Double coat with breadcrumbs.
- Fry hot and fast.
Quick Version (No Potatoes)
Use only mozzarella cubes:
Wrap cubes in seasoned dough made from flour + water + breadcrumbs paste, coat, freeze, fry.
Want my
viral restaurant-style version
with the crunchiest shell and insane cheese pull?