Cottage Cheese Balls
Creamy cottage cheese balls with nuts and herbs, crispy fried or baked, perfect as an appetizer or snack for gatherings and casual bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- If the mixture is too soft, add more bread crumbs until it holds shape.
- Form into balls about the size of a large walnut.
- Deep fry the balls until they turn a deep, golden brown.
- Alternatively, freeze the fried balls for future use or place in a shallow casserole, pour sauce over them, and bake in a medium oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt. If the mixture is too soft, adding more breadcrumbs will help it hold its shape better. Experiment with different nuts such as walnuts or almonds to vary the flavor. You can also add spices like garlic powder for an extra kick. Serve these with a dipping sauce for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These cottage cheese balls are perfect as a party appetizer or snack. Serve them with marinara sauce or a creamy dip for added flavor. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad or alongside a plate of Sugar Cookies Ii for dessert. Consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a light dipping sauce to enhance the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cottage cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. If you prefer, you can also re-fry them briefly to regain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cottage Cheese Balls contains roughly 792 calories, with 15g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (115% of the Daily Value), calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2053mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used in this recipe. However, keep in mind that it may result in slightly less creamy balls, so adjust the amount of breadcrumbs accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water. For each egg, combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the mixture.
Can I bake these cottage cheese balls instead of frying them?
Absolutely! To bake the cottage cheese balls, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the balls on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown. This method is healthier and still delivers a delicious result.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).