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hand holding whole fried pickle cheese ball with fried pickle cheese balls underneath and dip in white bowl.

Fried Pickle Cheese Balls

These easy and delicious Fried Pickle Cheese Balls are crispy, melty and perfectly tangy, full of bold flavor for the perfect crowd-pleasing snack for game day, parties and entertaining.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle chopped small and drained
  • 1/2 tsp crushed pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 1-2 cups oil I used avocado

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, add both cheeses, drained pickles, crushed pepper, salt, dried dill and pepper and mix together. Roll into small balls, about 1 inch and place on a small baking sheet. Flash freeze for 30-45 minutes.
  2. Set up a dredging station with 3 bowls. The first bowl with flour and ranch seasoning mixed together, the second with the egg mixed together, and the third with the breadcrumbs.
  3. In a large frying pan or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Roll each ball into flour, then into the egg mixture, next in the breadcrumb mixture, back into the egg mixture and back into the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Place a few of the balls into the hot oil at a time, cook until golden on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels. Work in batches until all are fried up and then serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
    Notes– you can air fry these! Air fry at 400° for 7-10 min or until golden brown. Turn halfway through. I suggest spraying with avocado oil.
    Enjoy!

Notes

Storage:
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container lined with a paper towel in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven or air fryer in a single layer at 375° until crispy and hot.
  • Freeze leftovers in a single layer in an airtight container, or in between layers of parchment paper, in an airtight container for up to one month. Reheat in the oven or air fryer as instructed above from frozen.
  • You can make these 1-3 days in advance. Combine the mixture and form into balls, then store covered in the fridge until you're ready to fry. Dredge the cheese balls right before frying, then serve and enjoy.