Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Shallow dishes (for egg wash)
- Frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels (for draining)
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, I love to start with a big mixing bowl where all the magic happens. I begin by combining the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. The mixture should be creamy and homogenous—a joyous blend that brings a smile to my face as I see the colors mix. For a bit of heat, I toss in those minced jalapeños and give everything a good stir. I always make sure to taste-test at this point—there’s nothing like that creamy, spicy goodness to ignite my culinary excitement!
Once the cheese mixture is ready, I prepare to shape it into perfect little balls. I find that using my hands gives me the best control here. I scoop out a generous tablespoon of the cheesy filling, roll it into a ball, and place it on a plate. It’s wonderfully messy, and my fingers get gooey, but that’s part of the fun! This step usually takes a little while, so I turn on some music and enjoy the rhythm of my kitchen transforming into a tiny cheeseball factory.
Next, I set up my breading station. In one shallow dish, I pour out the flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder – don’t skip that extra flavor, trust me! In another dish, I beat the egg, and in a third, I pour out the breadcrumbs. I roll each cheese ball in the flour, dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. Watching the transformation from gooey to golden is incredibly satisfying, and I can hardly wait to fry them!(See the next page below to continue…)