Crunchy & Creamy Southern Pimento Cheese Balls Recipe (20 Minutes) Appetizers Snacks Gluten-free Side Dishes Low Sugar Recipes

I think you need a crunchy, creamy appetizer in your life this weekend. If you love these crispy broccoli cheese balls recipe (my family does!), you are going to adore this easy fried pimento cheese balls recipe. Crispy on the outside with hot, melty pimento cheese on the inside, this is an addictive snack or appetizer. 

To make this southern fried recipe you will need the following ingredients from your fridge and pantry: sharp cheddar cheese, a jar of pimientos, gluten-free or all-purpose flour, hot sauce, Creole seasoning, egg whites, regular or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and vegetable oil for frying. 

Serve these crunchy fried pimento cheese balls with ranch, Cajun dipping sauce, jalapeno ranch, creamy Creole ranch or your favorite dipping sauce recipe. Be ready for the recipe requests because this southern appetizer recipe is a fan favorite. You could even serve them as a fun side dish with dinner.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 24

Ingredients

•  1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped jarred pimientos (drained)
• 2 tablespoons flour (all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning
• 3 egg whites, stiffly beaten
• 2 cups panko or gluten-free panko (divided)
• vegetable oil, for frying

Here's how to make it:

1. Combine the cheese, pimientos, flour, hot sauce and Creole seasoning in a bowl. Whisk to combine. Fold in the beaten egg whites and 1 cup of the panko. Stir to combine. For a gluten-free appetizer, use gluten-free panko and gluten-free flour.
2. Roll the mixture into approximately 24 balls. The size of the balls will determine the amount you get from this recipe. 
3. Put the remaining panko into a bowl. Dredge the balls in the panko. 
4. Heat about 2 cups of oil in a saucepot or deep skillet to 350 degrees F. Fry the balls a few at a time until golden brown, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining balls. Serve hot. You could also fry them in a deep fryer. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. Any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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