How to Make the Perfect Cheddar Cheese Balls
American · Easy · 33 min · 6 servings
Cheddar Cheese Balls are soft gooey little bites with a crispy outside that kids absolutely cannot stop popping into their mouths. This kid friendly recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Why this recipe works
This Cheddar Cheese Balls recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 33 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 195 calories with 9g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp cold butter cubed
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 0.25 tsp garlic powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Combine cheddar cheese, flour, cold butter, garlic powder, and salt in a food processor and pulse until crumbly then add cold water and blend until dough forms.
Step 2: Roll into Balls
Scoop teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll them firmly between your palms into smooth balls then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Chill the Balls
Refrigerate the shaped cheese balls for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly golden then cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- sharp cheddar cheese → mild cheddar or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a milder flavor kids love
- all-purpose flour → gluten-free 1-to-1 flour blend for a gluten-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the chilling step which causes the cheese balls to spread flat during baking
- Using warm butter instead of cold butter which prevents the proper dough texture from forming
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 195 calories, 9g protein, 16g carbs, 11g fat, 1g fiber.
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