Description
Flamin’ Hot Cheese Ball Bites are a spicy and cheesy snack that combines the crunch of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos with creamy cheese balls, perfect for parties or game day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar-jack blend)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, extra heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable or canola)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for dipping sauce)
- 2 tbsp sour cream (for dipping sauce)
- 1 tsp hot sauce (or sriracha, for dipping sauce)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (for dipping sauce)
- Pinch of chili flakes (for dipping sauce)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix shredded cheddar, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt until combined.
- Scoop out small portions and roll into bite-sized balls. Place on a tray lined with parchment.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes (helps them hold shape when frying).
- Place flour, beaten eggs, and crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in three bowls.
- Roll each cheese ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
- Repeat for a thicker coating.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry cheese balls in small batches for 2–3 minutes, until crispy and golden-red.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Mix mayo, sour cream, hot sauce, garlic powder, and chili flakes in a bowl.
- Serve alongside hot cheese bites.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- These cheese balls can be made ahead of time and frozen before frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg