Fried cheese balls

Ingredients

Cheese balls

400 grams (14.1 ounces) cottage cheese 9%

210 grams (7.4 ounces) flour

1 large egg

50 grams (1.8 ounces) sugar

10 grams (0.35 ounces) vanilla sugar

1.5 grams (0.05 ounces) baking soda

pinch of salt

1 tablespoon orange zest

2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

Step 1

Mix the cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla sugar, egg, and orange zest in a bowl. Ensure the cottage cheese is well-blended for a smooth mixture.

Step 2

Pour the orange juice over the baking soda, then add this mixture into the bowl. Mix well. The baking soda will react with the orange juice, ensuring a fluffy texture.

Step 3

Gradually add the flour and mix until you achieve a smooth dough. The dough should be very soft and almost non-sticky. The amount of flour required may vary based on the moisture content of the cottage cheese.

Step 4

Sprinkle some flour on your work surface, and lay out the dough. Roll it into a cylinder and cut it into small pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, approximately the size of a small walnut. Lightly flour your hands if the dough is sticking.

Step 5

Heat vegetable oil in a small pot or ladle. Fry the balls in small batches until they turn golden brown. Ensure the balls float and do not touch the bottom of the pot while frying.

Step 6

Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving. For an extra touch, you can stuff the balls with chocolate cream, pitted cherries, or thick jam before rolling them. To do this, flatten each piece slightly, place the filling in the center, pinch the edges to close, and roll into a ball.

Servings

Picture yourself sitting in a sunlit garden, enjoying these scrumptious cheese balls fresh out of the fryer. Sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a classic touch. 🥰

For a fun twist, try stuffing them with chocolate cream, pitted cherries, or thick jam before frying. 🍒🍫 Imagine the surprise in your guests' eyes when they bite into that hidden treasure!

Want a pairing idea? Serve these cheese balls alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee ☕, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. They also make great finger food for parties and family gatherings. Perfect as a sweet breakfast treat or an after-dinner delight—the options are endless! 🎉

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

A large bowl will make combining your ingredients a breeze, and it's great for mixing without making a mess.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accuracy is key in baking, so make sure you have a reliable set of measuring cups and spoons handy to ensure perfect results.

Grater

You'll need a fine grater for the orange zest to get that refreshing citrus flavor.

Rolling Pin

Helpful for rolling your dough to the perfect thickness, ensuring even and uniform cheese balls.

Ladle or Deep-Frying Spoon

Essential for safely frying your cheese balls and making sure they cook evenly.

Paper Towels

To drain the excess oil from the fried cheese balls for a less greasy result.

Variations

Gluten-Free Variation: 🥳 Replace the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend you use is suitable for baking; almond or coconut flour can work wonders here.

Vegan Variation: 🌱 Substitute the cottage cheese with a non-dairy alternative like almond ricotta, and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) instead of the egg. Choose a plant-based sweetener if you wish to avoid refined sugar.

Faq

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour until it reaches the desired consistency. Be cautious, though—too much flour can make the cheese balls dense.
Can I use regular sugar if I don't have vanilla sugar?
Absolutely! Simply add a dash of vanilla extract to your mix to replicate the vanilla flavor.
How do I know when the cheese balls are fully cooked?
The cheese balls should be golden brown and should float when fried. If unsure, you can use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches about 190°C (375°F).
Can I bake these cheese balls instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
How do I store leftover cheese balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They can be enjoyed cold or can be reheated in a 180°C (350°F) oven for about 10 minutes.
Can I freeze the dough for future use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough. Shape it into balls, then place on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. When ready to use, let them thaw before frying or baking.