20 Spicy Pimento Cheese Balls Recipe Southern Living Discover Culinary Perfection!

Making the Perfect Spicy Pimento Cheese Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped pimentos
• 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapenos
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, mayonnaise, pimentos, jalapenos, green onions, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Using your hands, form the mixture into small 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In three separate bowls, place the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Roll each ball in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
4. In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cheese balls in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
5. Fry the cheese balls for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove the cheese balls from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Serve the spicy pimento cheese balls warm as an appetizer or snack.

Variations and Tips:

If you want to change up the spice level, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or jalapenos in the recipe. For an extra kick, you can also add a few drops of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. Additionally, if you don't want to fry the cheese balls, you can also bake them in the oven at 375 degrees for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown.

To make the recipe even more Southern, you can use cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs for coating the cheese balls. This will give them a crispy texture and add a touch of sweetness to the spice.

In Conclusion

Spicy pimento cheese balls are a delicious and easy appetizer that will add a touch of Southern charm to any gathering. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy them as is for a burst of cheesy, spicy goodness.