These tasty corned beef and cheese balls are perfect for snacking! They’re filled with hearty corned beef and gooey cheese, making every bite oh-so-delicious.
I love whipping these up for game day or movie night. They’re so easy to make and disappear quickly! Just pop them in your mouth and enjoy the cheesy goodness! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corned Beef: It’s the star of this dish! Use shredded cooked corned beef for the best flavor. If you don’t have corned beef, cooked brisket or roast beef can substitute, but may alter the taste.
Cheddar Cheese: While I love sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, feel free to swap it for mozzarella, pepper jack, or any cheese you enjoy. Each type will add a unique twist.
Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together. For a vegan option, you can use mashed potatoes or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) as a substitute.
Onion: Fresh onions add great flavor. If you prefer something milder, use green onions. And if you need a break from onions, try finely chopped bell peppers instead.
Parsley/Chives: Fresh herbs brighten the dish. If they’re unavailable, dry herbs can be used, but lessen the amount. I often prefer a mix of dried Italian herbs for additional flavor.
How Do I Shape and Fry the Balls Perfectly?
Shaping the corned beef and cheese mixture can be a bit tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Use your hands to ensure an even shape. Wet hands can help prevent sticking!
- Make balls about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter so they fry evenly without burning.
- For frying, ensure your oil is hot enough (about 350°F/175°C): test it by dropping in a small piece of the mixture; it should sizzle right away!
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and make them soggy.
Remember to drain them on paper towels after frying, which helps keep them crispy. Enjoy making these tasty treats!
How to Make Corned Beef and Cheese Balls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cooked corned beef, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (for coating)
Flavor Boosters:
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust based on the saltiness of corned beef)
For Frying:
- Oil, for deep frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and approximately 15 minutes to fry, totaling about 35 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for when you want to whip up something tasty for a gathering or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Ingredients:
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add in the finely chopped corned beef, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, and your choice of parsley or chives. Don’t forget to sprinkle in the salt and pepper for flavor. Stir everything together until well combined!
2. Bind the Mixture:
Next, crack in the eggs and add the flour to your mixture. Mix it all together until the ingredients hold together and form a nice moldable mixture. If it feels a bit too loose to hold shape, that’s okay! Just add a little more flour until it feels right.
3. Shape the Balls:
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty! Take some of the mixture and shape it into small balls—around 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Aim for even sizes so they cook evenly!
4. Coat for Crispy Goodness:
Take each ball and roll it in the bread crumbs, making sure to coat it well for that extra crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, you can dip the balls in a beaten egg before rolling them in the bread crumbs again—this will give you an even crispier exterior!
5. Fry Those Balls:
Heat some oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. You want the oil to be around 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in the balls, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding your pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy all around.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re beautifully browned, remove the balls from the oil and let them drain on paper towels to soak up any extra oil. This will keep them light and crispy.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Arrange your corned beef and cheese balls on a serving plate and consider garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color.
8. The Perfect Snack:
Serve these tasty treats warm and enjoy them as a delightful appetizer or snack. They pair wonderfully with sauces like mustard, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Corned Beef and Cheese Balls!
Can I Use Leftover Corned Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover corned beef from a previous meal works perfectly. Just shred and chop it as needed, making this a fantastic way to repurpose your leftovers!
What Can I Substitute for Cheddar Cheese?
If cheddar isn’t your favorite, feel free to use mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheese for different flavors. Each option will still provide that wonderful gooey texture!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free bread crumbs. It’s easy and delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Corned Beef and Cheese Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which helps maintain their crispiness.
