Description
These 3 Ingredient Crispy Cheese Balls are a delicious and easy appetizer made with puff pastry, mozzarella string cheese, and egg wash. They bake up golden and crispy on the outside, with gooey melted cheese inside, perfect for parties, snacks, or quick bites.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 (17.3 oz) package puff pastry sheets (thawed but still cold)
Cheese
- 8 individual mozzarella string cheese sticks (each stick should weigh about 27 grams)
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg (well beaten)
Optional Garnish
- Melted garlic butter (about 4 tbsp)
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Coarse salt
- Finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out one puff pastry sheet into a 10-inch square. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife, cut into 16 equal squares. Repeat this process with the second puff pastry sheet to yield 32 squares total.
- Cut Cheese Sticks: Cut each mozzarella string cheese stick into 4 equal pieces so you have 32 small cheese portions to match the number of pastry squares.
- Wrap Cheese in Pastry: Place one piece of mozzarella in the center of each puff pastry square. Wrap the pastry around the cheese, pinching the seams tightly closed. Then gather the pinched seams into the center again and pinch once more to ensure no gaps remain. Roll the sealed pastry gently between your palms to shape a smooth ball, making sure it is tightly sealed to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
- Prep for Baking: Arrange the pastry balls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops and sides with the beaten egg to give them a shiny, golden finish after baking.
- Bake the Cheese Balls: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the cheese balls are puffed up and golden brown. Some cheese may leak out, but most should remain sealed inside the pastry.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the cheese balls cool slightly so they are warm but not hot, maintaining a melty cheese center. If desired, brush with melted garlic butter and sprinkle with grated parmesan, coarse salt, and chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Reheat before serving to enjoy warm, gooey centers again.
Notes
- Ensure puff pastry is cold but pliable to make wrapping easier.
- Seal pastry edges tightly to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
- Serve warm for best texture and gooey cheese centers.
- Optional garnishes add extra flavor but are not necessary.
- Can be made ahead and reheated gently in the oven.