Baked Mozzarella Balls.
I think we are all aware that there will never be a shortage of cheese in the How Sweet household.
That’s why we must get creative and switch it up at times. Since Mr. How Sweet asks me to make “healthy” cookies, “healthy” cheesecake, “healthy” butter chicken and “healthy” Oreos, this was my attempt at making a healthier, crispy ball of melted cheese. Because he clearly needs something healthier… especially after he eats an entire pizza, a Primanti’s sandwich and 16 cookies. Then manages to lose 4 pounds. Then says he needs to go on a diet. Sometimes I sort of hate him.
The good news? It worked. And these were extra crunchy! Good thing too. I like a little crunch with my fat.
As delicious as these were, I would not recommend them for a large party. Sure – a small gathering or dinner for two is perfect, but if you make these for a crowd you will spend way too much time in the kitchen and not enough time near the wine. Who wants to do that?
Moral of the story: make these for dinner. For yourself. And add some pinot.
Just make sure to spray your wire rack or baking sheet with non-stick spray and to freeze your cheese for awhile. Or else this will happen. Don’t learn the hard way.
But even if you do those things, it still may happen to one or two cheese balls. Trust me, it’s really not an issue. Unless you have an issue eating bubbly, golden cheese.
And in that case, I’m sorry that you are missing out. I’ll eat yours.
Baked Mozzarella Balls
serves 2-4
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
1/2 cup flour
2 egg whites
1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Cube the mozzarella and set it in the freezer for 12-24 hours. This can simply be done the night before you make it.
When ready to make, preheat the over to 475 degrees.
Add the flour, slightly beaten egg whites and panko + parsley in 3 separate bowls. Lay a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray with non-stick spray. A wire rack is not required and you can also use a plain baking sheet – line it with parchment paper and then spray it with non-stick spray.
Make sure the oven is at the correct temperature. Moving quickly, take the cheese out of the freezer and dredge it in the flour, dip it in the egg whites, and coat it in the panko + parsley mixture. Set it on the rack/sheet and quickly finish the rest. Spray each cube with cooking spray and pop in the oven for 10-12 minutes. As long as you move quickly, cheese should not melt fast. Remove from oven when golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately.
I wish I got to eat more of these, but I turned my head for 30 seconds and they were gone. Apparently it’s cheese-diet week for Mr. How Sweet.
107 Comments on “Baked Mozzarella Balls.”
If there is one thing that I will miss from my diet during the last couple of months it will be CHEESE!! I will have to come here and drool :)
You’re welcome to visit anytime. :)
mmm mozzarella cheese is my favorite!! those look sooo cheesy and good!
Mmm, it doesn’t get much better than hot, crispy cheese. :-) Yum!!
Yum!! I am definitely bookmarking this. Sounds freaking delicious!
You have the best recipes! Oh to be a guest at your dinner table.
You are welcome anytime. :)
You are so good to Mr. How Sweet! These look great and perfect for pinot!
So simple to make and look so delicious too. Perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Suzanne
Love these little cheese bites!
oh yeah!
that is all I need to say. :)
Reminds me of mozzarella sticks from my childhood! I haven’t had them in years.
OMG- another one that I CANNOT wait to try. Definitely thinking I should make these for the family Christmas party. These look to. die. for. :)
I need to stop reading this blog before the holidays, I can’t help but want to make EVERYTHING I see on it!
I might have to make these this weekend…
gosh now i want some fondue.
cheese rules. these are just too easy to eat in one sitting with ice cold beer
I was going to make this and then decided on Nutella Blossoms instead ;) they put peanut butter blossoms to shame……. tomorrow I will go savory after my chocolate overload tonight
http://whileibreathe.wordpress.com/2010/12/23/nutella-blossoms
If I ate cheese I would be all over this! Dang allergies…..I am having a hard time around this time with all the good looking food!
xxoo
I wish my cheese was already frozen because I want to make them right now!
Baked, stringy, melty, gooey, ooze-y – there are too many words to describe these, but I think I’ll just go with delicious.
Oh my word do those look incredible. I seriously want to eat every single one. Mmmm how I love cheese.
Great appetizer Jessica!! My kids would love ’em!
Oh my goodness, I’m drooling over here! I must make these this weekend!
OMG WANT/NEED NOWWWWW
Baked, stringy, melty, gooey, ooze-y – there are too many words to describe these, but I think I’ll just go with delicious.
Wow! How easy is that! Looks amazing!
sigh . live my life jus looking at these bad boys!;)
Those look fabulous. I loveeeeeeee cheese!
I just found your blog and I LOVE IT! I plan to make the cake batter bark for dessert for new years… yummmm!
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just made these. ballerrrr!!!!
I just found this recipe and can’t wait to try it this weekend!
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I just stumbled across your blog and have slowly been reading through; I have lived in Pittsburgh for 5 years now and am completely blown away that the suburban Primanti’s have this whole extended menu. Primanti’s pizza? Who knew!
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