Pork And Cheese Balls
Cheesy pork meatballs bursting with sharp cheddar flavor, perfect for a quick appetizer or hearty snack, appealing to cheese lovers and fans of savory bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground pork and chopped onion in a skillet until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pork and onion, garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, and Bisquick; mix well.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro. If sharp cheddar is too strong, you can substitute it with a milder cheese like Monterey Jack. Ensure the pork is well-seasoned; adding a pinch of salt and pepper can enhance the overall taste. These pork cheese balls can also be made with ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pork and cheese balls as a delightful appetizer or snack alongside a tangy dipping sauce like barbecue or ranch dressing. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving them with a side of Rocky Mountain Baked Beans for a hearty combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pork and cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain their crispness while ensuring they are warmed evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork And Cheese Balls contains roughly 1138 calories, with 57g protein, 169g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (114% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (67% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 592mg per serving (26% 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 freeze the pork and cheese balls before baking?
Yes, you can freeze the formed balls before baking. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a zip-top bag once solid. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of Bisquick?
If you don't have Bisquick, you can make a homemade substitute by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt. This will yield a similar mix that works perfectly for binding the ingredients in this recipe.
How can I make these pork cheese balls spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the mixture. You could also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce or mix in a few dashes of hot sauce into the pork mixture for an extra kick.
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).