Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe

Introduction

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are a fun and flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy, cheesy filling with a kick of jalapeño, all wrapped in a crispy, seasoned breadcrumb coating. Perfect for parties or a spicy snack, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, jalapeños, cilantro, garlic powder, and onion powder until well blended.
2. Step 2: Using your hands, form the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Step 3: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with chili powder and paprika.
4. Step 4: Dredge each cheese ball in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
5. Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
6. Step 6: Fry the cheese balls in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7. Step 7: Remove the fried balls from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8. Step 8: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika to the filling mixture.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
• Swap jalapeños for serrano peppers if you prefer more heat.
• If you want a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds before dicing.
• Try serving with salsa, sour cream, or a creamy ranch dip for variety.

Storage

Store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness, or warm briefly in the microwave if preferred, though they may lose some crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the cheese balls in advance and keep them refrigerated before breading and frying. For best results, fry them just before serving.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you want a different texture, you can try mascarpone or ricotta cheese, but keep in mind it may alter the firmness of the filling and how well the balls hold together.

Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 55 reviews

These Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls are a deliciously cheesy and crunchy appetizer featuring a creamy jalapeño and cheddar cheese filling, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and deep-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for parties or snacks, they offer a spicy kick balanced by the smooth cream cheese and fresh cilantro.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and onion powder until all ingredients are well blended and evenly incorporated.
2. Form cheese balls: Using your hands, form the cheese mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are compact to prevent breaking during frying.
3. Set up breading stations: Arrange three bowls for a breading station: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, chili powder, and paprika.
4. Bread the cheese balls: Roll each cheese ball first in the flour to coat lightly, then dip into the beaten eggs to cover fully, and finally coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture for a crunchy outer layer.
5. Heat the oil: In a deep fryer or a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C), ensuring there is enough oil for deep frying the balls evenly.
6. Fry the cheese balls: Fry the coated cheese balls in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
7. Drain excess oil: Remove the fried cheese balls from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve: Serve the hot spicy Mexican donkey balls immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a flavorful party appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Use fresh jalapeños for a fresher, sharper heat or pickled jalapeños for a tangier flavor.
• Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked balls.
• For a crispier coating, double dip the balls through the egg and breadcrumbs again before frying.
• Can be made ahead of time and frozen before frying; fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to cooking time.
• Serve with ranch dressing, salsa, or sour cream as dipping sauces.

Keywords: Spicy appetizers, cheesy snacks, Mexican cheese balls, jalapeño cheese bites, fried cheese balls, party appetizers