Garlic Cheese Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These garlic cheese balls are soft on the inside, golden on the outside, and oozing with cheesy goodness. They’re incredibly easy to make using pantry staples, and they pair perfectly with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce. Serve them with pasta, soup, or on their own as a crowd-pleasing snack. Plus, you can bake, air fry, or pan-fry them depending on your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Butter (melted)
• Milk or buttermilk
• Minced fresh garlic or garlic paste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Marinara or dipping sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
4. Add melted butter, garlic, and milk to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Scoop small portions and roll into balls (about 1 to 1½ inches wide).
6. Place balls on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
7. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired.
8. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
9. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley.
10. Serve warm with marinara or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 18–20 garlic cheese balls.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Stuffed: Wrap dough around a cube of cheese for an extra gooey center.
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dough.
• Herby: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, chives, or oregano.
• Cheese blend: Try cheddar, fontina, or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
• Pan-fried: Fry in a skillet with a little oil for an extra crispy crust.
• Air fryer: Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes for a quicker option.

Storage/Reheating

Let cheese balls cool before storing.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until warm and crispy.
Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crisp texture.
To freeze, place cooled balls in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer.

FAQs

Can I use self-rising flour?

Yes, just omit the baking powder and salt if using self-rising flour.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can use cheddar, gouda, or a mix of your favorites.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate the dough or formed balls for up to 24 hours before baking.

Are these vegetarian?

Yes, as long as the cheeses used are made without animal rennet.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother texture.

How do I keep them soft?

Don’t overbake, and serve warm. Store leftovers tightly covered to retain moisture.

Can I add meat?

Yes, finely chopped pepperoni, ham, or cooked bacon can be mixed into the dough.

What dipping sauces go well?

Marinara, ranch, garlic butter, or spicy aioli are all great options.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a 1:1 replacement mix.

Do I need a mixer to make the dough?

No, the dough comes together easily by hand with a spoon or spatula.

Conclusion

Garlic Cheese Balls are the perfect bite-sized comfort food—easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you serve them at a party, alongside dinner, or just as a cheesy snack, they’re always a hit. Warm, gooey, and full of garlicky goodness, they’re guaranteed to disappear as soon as they hit the table.

Garlic Cheese Balls

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Garlic Cheese Balls are fluffy, cheesy bites packed with garlic flavor and melty cheese. These quick and easy snacks are golden on the outside and gooey on the inside—perfect as a side, appetizer, or party favorite.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 18–20 cheese balls
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic paste)
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Extra melted butter and Parmesan for topping (optional)
• Marinara or dipping sauce (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed.
4. Add melted butter, minced garlic, and milk. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll into 1 to 1½ inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Brush with extra melted butter and sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and puffed.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• For an extra gooey center, stuff each ball with a cube of cheese before baking.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep the balls light and tender.
• Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes as an alternative to baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 cheese balls
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg