Spicy Mexican Donkey Balls Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/spicy-mexican-donkey-balls-recipe/
