Bolitas de Queso Recipe (Fried Cheese Balls)
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Looking for a cheesy appetizer that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser? These bolitas de queso, also known as fried cheese balls, are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with delicious flavor.
They’re perfect for parties, after-school snacks, game nights, or whenever you need a quick and satisfying bite. You can even toss them in the air fryer if you prefer a lighter option!
These cheese balls are often enjoyed in Latin homes and bring back memories of gatherings, family time, and comfort food. They’re especially popular in Puerto Rican cuisine and are usually served alongside other small bites or main dishes.
You can pair them with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, marinara, or even a spicy salsa. I love serving them with a cold drink and some fried plantains on the side for a true island-inspired spread.
What is Bolitas de Queso?
Bolitas de queso are deep-fried cheese balls made from a simple mixture of shredded cheese, egg, flour, and spices, rolled into balls and coated in breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy exterior.
They’re a common snack or appetizer in Puerto Rican and Latin American households. The name literally translates to “little cheese balls” in Spanish.
What makes them so popular is how simple and affordable they are to prepare, yet they never fail to impress. You'll find variations across cultures—some include mashed potatoes, others mix in ham or herbs—but the concept is always the same: cheesy, crispy, and absolutely delicious.
These cheese balls are great for making ahead of time and storing in the freezer, ready to fry up when the craving hits.
Ingredients to Make These Fried Cheese Balls
To make the best of this recipe, you only need a few pantry staples and your favorite shredded cheese. Each ingredient plays a specific role to give you the perfect texture and flavor.
Shredded Cheese – Mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of both works great. Mozzarella gives that stretchy, melty center, while cheddar adds bold flavor. You can experiment with other cheeses too.
Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the dough together and helps everything mix evenly.
Flour – Adds structure to the dough, keeping it from falling apart while cooking.
Salt – Enhances the flavor of the cheese and spices.
Paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness and a warm color to the dough.
Breadcrumbs – Creates a crispy outer coating that fries up to golden perfection.
Vegetable Oil – Used for frying. You want a neutral oil that can handle medium-high heat.
How to Make Bolitas de Queso
If you’re new to making snacks like this, don’t worry—these fried cheese balls are super beginner-friendly. Whether you fry them traditionally or pop them into the air fryer, the steps are straightforward.
- Mix the wet ingredients – In a large bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the salt and paprika until well combined.
- Add the shredded cheese – Fold the shredded mozzarella and cheddar into the egg mixture, making sure every piece of cheese is coated.
- Incorporate the flour – Gradually mix in the flour, a little at a time, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix.
- Form the cheese balls – Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a ball. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
- Coat with breadcrumbs – Roll each cheese ball in breadcrumbs until completely coated. This step gives them their signature crunch.
- Chill before frying – Place all the coated balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- Heat the oil – In a small pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium heat. Test with a breadcrumb—it should sizzle.
- Fry the cheese balls – Carefully drop the balls into the hot oil (don’t overcrowd the pot). Fry for about 4 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve – Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried cheese balls to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve hot!
To Air Fry:
Place the balls in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 4–5 minutes, shaking halfway through. They come out just as crispy with less oil.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Chill the dough before frying to help the balls hold their shape.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents.
- Add herbs like parsley or oregano to the dough for extra flavor.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or even cream cheese for variation.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumbs—this gives you the crispy shell that makes the dish so satisfying.
- If your dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Always test the oil temperature with a small breadcrumb before frying to avoid soggy cheese balls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bolitas de queso ahead of time?
Yes! You can form and bread the cheese balls, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days before frying. You can also freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid.
Fry from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cook time. I do this often when I want to prep snacks before hosting friends or planning a weekend movie night.
What dipping sauces go well with fried cheese balls?
There are so many great options! Try salsa, garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or even a tangy marinara sauce. I personally love dipping them in a cilantro-lime crema for a fresh, zesty contrast.
You can also keep it simple with a little ranch or hot sauce—whatever fits the vibe of your meal.
Can I bake instead of frying?
Absolutely. While frying gives you the crispiest texture, baking works too. Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake the cheese balls on a parchment-lined sheet for about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
For extra crispiness, spray them with oil before baking. They won’t puff up as much as when fried, but they’ll still taste amazing and feel a bit lighter.
Are these cheese balls kid-friendly?
Yes, definitely. Kids love these cheesy bites, and they’re great for lunchboxes or after-school snacks. Just make sure to let them cool a bit before serving, since the centers can get really hot.
You could even get the kids involved in rolling the dough or dipping the balls in breadcrumbs—it’s a fun kitchen activity for little hands.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for 8 minutes or in the air fryer at 400°F for 4–5 minutes.
Avoid microwaving them unless you don’t mind a softer texture. They’ll crisp back up nicely in the oven or air fryer.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Yes! Once you’re comfortable with the basic version, you can get creative. Try mixing in cooked bacon bits, finely diced ham, chopped jalapeños, or herbs like parsley and oregano. These add-ins can really elevate the flavor and make the recipe your own.
Have you tried bolitas de queso? Then make sure to rate and review this recipe! I'd love to hear how yours turned out. If you added a twist—like a different cheese or a unique dipping sauce—share it in the comments below. These are one of my go-to appetizers, and I hope your family enjoys them as much as mine does.
Bolitas De Queso Recipe / Fried Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cheese - mozzarella and cheddar or favorite cheese
- 1 Egg
- 4 tbsp flour
- Pinch of salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, crack the egg and whisk it well. Add a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of paprika, then mix again until combined.
- Add the shredded cheese to the bowl and stir until the cheese is coated with the egg mixture.
- Slowly add the flour, a little at a time, and mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Scoop out about a tablespoon of the dough and roll it between your palms to form a small ball.
- Roll the ball in breadcrumbs until it's fully coated, then place it on a tray. Repeat until all the dough is used up.
- Place the tray in the fridge and chill the cheese balls for about 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- In a small pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a small breadcrumb dropped in sizzles right away.
- Carefully place the cheese balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry for about 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Turn them gently with a spoon to fry evenly on all sides.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese balls and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Chilling the cheese balls before frying helps them stay round and prevents them from falling apart in the oil. Don’t skip this step!
- You can mix up the cheese types—mozzarella gives a melty texture, while cheddar adds sharp flavor. A blend works best!
- If the dough feels too wet or sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it's easier to handle.
- For extra flavor, mix in a bit of dried herbs, like parsley or oregano, or even a pinch of garlic powder.
- To reheat leftovers, place in the oven at 350°F for 8 minutes or in the air fryer at 400°F for 4–5 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up.
- These can be frozen before frying. Just shape, bread, and freeze on a tray. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag and fry directly from frozen when ready.
- Try different dipping sauces like garlic aioli, marinara, or sriracha mayo to switch up the flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 87Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 131mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 4g
These nutritional calculations might not be accurate. Please speak with a licensed nutritionist to assist you.
You had me at “cheese!” I know my kids will love this recipe as much as I will. Looking forward to making it this weekend.