Hot Puffy Cheese Balls
Golden, cheesy puffy balls with a crunchy almond coating, perfect as appetizers or party snacks, offering a delightful combination of cheese, nuts, and crispy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place water, salt, nutmeg, and butter in a 2-quart saucepan. Bring mixture to a full rolling boil over high heat.
- Add flour all at once to the boiling mixture.
- Remove the pan from heat.
- Stir until the mixture forms a ball and leaves the sides of the pan.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is smooth and shiny.
- Add Swiss cheese and stir until blended.
- Drop the mixture by teaspoons into sliced almonds in a shallow pan.
- Roll to coat evenly and shape each into a 3/4-inch ball.
- Place on waxed paper and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before beating them into the dough. If you don't have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or a mild cheddar can work as substitutes. For added flavor, consider mixing in some herbs like chives or parsley. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying; test with a small piece of dough to avoid soggy cheese balls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cheese balls warm as an appetizer or snack. They pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce like marinara or a creamy ranch. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or alongside dishes like Mashed Potatoes With Roasted Garlic for a comforting spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain their crispy texture, unlike microwaving which may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hot Puffy Cheese Balls contains roughly 990 calories, with 9g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 701mg per serving (30% 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 make the cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese balls and shape them ahead of time. After rolling in almonds, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to a month. Fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of minutes to the cooking time.
What type of oil is best for frying?
For deep frying, vegetable oil or canola oil is ideal due to their high smoke points. Avoid olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and can impart unwanted flavors. Make sure to fill your pot no more than half full with oil to prevent spills when adding the cheese balls.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Baking is an option, though the texture will differ from fried cheese balls. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Brush them lightly with oil before baking to enhance crispiness.
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).