Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Small bowl
- Fork
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until combined.
3. In a small bowl, mix together flour and melted butter until combined.
4. Using a fork, scoop out 2 tablespoons of cheese mixture and roll into a ball. Roll the ball in the flour mixture, then in the panko bread crumbs. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining cheese mixture.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: Makes 24 mini cheese balls
Nutritional Information: Not available
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Cream cheese: Ricotta cheese
- Cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack cheese
- Parsley: Fresh chives
- Garlic powder: Fresh garlic
- Onion powder: Fresh onion
- Smoked paprika: Regular paprika
- All-purpose flour: Gluten-free flour
- Butter: Coconut oil
- Panko bread crumbs: Regular bread crumbs
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs to the cheese mixture.
- Add 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts to the cheese mixture.
- Add 1/4 cup finely diced jalapenos to the cheese mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing with other ingredients.
- Use a fork to scoop out the cheese mixture and roll into balls.
- Use a spatula to transfer the cheese balls to the baking sheet.
Storage instructions:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a platter with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, smoked paprika
Pairings:
Crackers, chips, vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
Salad, roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese balls are not golden brown after 15 minutes, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Cheese balls have been a popular party appetizer for decades.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, savory
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or snack.
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