Mediterranean Fried Cheese Balls
Crispy on the outside, melty and savory on the inside, these Mediterranean Fried Cheese Balls are the ultimate snack or appetizer. Inspired by the bold flavors of the Mediterranean coast, they blend cheeses like feta and mozzarella with herbs and spices, then are breaded and fried to golden perfection. Serve them with tzatziki, marinara, or a drizzle of lemon for an irresistible bite-sized treat that will transport you straight to a seaside taverna.
Time
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended for better shape)
Cook time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For the cheese mixture:
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or kefalotyri cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for freshness)
Salt & black pepper to taste
For coating and frying:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 eggs, beaten (for dipping)
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko or a mix with Italian-seasoned)
Oil for frying (vegetable or sunflower oil)
Instructions
Mix the cheese filling:
In a large bowl, combine mozzarella, feta, and Parmesan.
Add the egg, flour, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
Mix well until everything is fully combined into a sticky, moldable mixture.
Form the balls:
Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll into small balls using your hands.
Place them on a plate lined with parchment paper.
Chill (optional but recommended):
Chill the cheese balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This helps prevent them from falling apart while frying.
Bread the cheese balls:
Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
Roll each ball in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is evenly coated.
Fry:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot (about 2 inches deep) over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the cheese balls in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Serve hot with lemon wedges, tzatziki, marinara sauce, or a spicy harissa dip.
Tips
Chill Before Frying:
Chilling the balls for at least 30 minutes helps them firm up and hold their shape during frying. You can even freeze them for longer storage.
Use a Cheese Blend:
Combining salty feta with gooey mozzarella and sharp Parmesan creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:
Fry in small batches so the oil temperature doesn’t drop. This ensures a crisp, golden crust without sogginess.
Test the Oil Temperature:
Use a thermometer or drop in a small breadcrumb—if it sizzles instantly, your oil is ready (around 350°F or 175°C).
Drain Well:
Use paper towels or a wire rack to drain the excess oil right after frying to keep the balls crispy.
Variations
Spicy Kick
Add finely chopped jalapeños, chili flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
Serve with spicy harissa mayo or chili garlic sauce.
Greek Style
Add chopped Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper Mediterranean flavor.
Use kefalotyri or graviera cheese if available for authenticity.
Herb Lovers
Add finely chopped mint, dill, or basil along with parsley for a more aromatic flavor profile.
Garlic & Herb
Mix in roasted garlic paste for a richer, more savory taste.
Toss the fried balls with garlic-infused olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano before serving.
Spinach-Feta Combo
Stir in finely chopped, sautéed spinach for a twist on spanakopita.
A great way to sneak in greens while keeping it cheesy!
Vegetarian-Friendly Egg-Free Version
Replace egg in the cheese mixture with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or mashed potato.
Use plant-based milk with a cornstarch slurry as an egg dip alternative.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for dredging.
Air Fryer Method
Bread as usual and spray with olive oil. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can shape and bread the cheese balls, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Q: Can I bake them instead of frying?
A: You can! Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray with olive oil for a crispy finish.
Q: What dips go well with these cheese balls?
A: Great options include tzatziki, spicy marinara, lemon aioli, harissa yogurt sauce, or even honey with chili flakes for a sweet-savory combo.
Q: What kind of cheese works best?
A: Feta for saltiness, mozzarella for melt, and Parmesan or kefalotyri for sharpness. Feel free to experiment with gruyère, gouda, or halloumi.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Just be sure to use vegetarian-friendly cheeses (some feta and Parmesan varieties may contain animal rennet) and swap the egg with yogurt or a flaxseed “egg.”
Nutrition Info (Per 3-piece serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–320 kcal |
| Protein | 11–14 g |
| Fat | 18–22 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18–22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1–2 g |
| Sodium | 450–600 mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on cheese types and frying oil absorption.
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Fried Cheese Balls are a crispy, golden, flavor-packed snack that will steal the spotlight at any gathering. With their creamy center and herby aroma, they offer the perfect balance of comfort food and gourmet flair. Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping appetizers for a holiday meal, or just craving something cheesy and satisfying, this recipe is quick to make and even quicker to disappear from the plate.
Pair them with a refreshing dip and a chilled glass of wine, and you’ve got yourself a little taste of the Mediterranean coast—no plane ticket required.