Korean Cheese Balls Recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on December 22, 2023 | Last Updated on December 22, 2023

Korean cheese balls are a delicious snack that is perfect for any occasion. They are a popular snack in Korea, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the United States as well. 

They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients. Korean cheese balls are a great way to impress your guests and add a unique twist to a meal.

Korean Cheese Balls Recipe

What are Korean Cheese Balls?

Korean cheese balls are a simple snack made from a mixture of cheese, flour, and other ingredients. 

The mixture is rolled into balls and then fried until golden brown. The cheese is usually melted before it is added to the mixture. 

The cheese balls are served with a dipping sauce of your choice. Some people prefer to dip them in a sweet and sour sauce, while others like to dip them in a spicy sauce.

What Does It Taste Like?

Korean cheese balls have a rich and creamy texture. The cheese has a mild flavor and is slightly sweet. The balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The flavor of the cheese is enhanced by the addition of other ingredients such as herbs or spices.

You’ll also like the following Appetizer recipes!

Ingredients

Cheese Balls:

  • 4 cups Glutinous Rice Flour: Glutinous rice flour is the main flour in this recipe, contributing to the chewy and sticky texture of the cheese balls. It’s a staple in Korean cuisine, providing a unique consistency to the dish.
  • 40 g Melted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the cheese balls. It also contributes to the overall tenderness and moistness of the dough.
  • 2/3 cup All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the cheese ball dough. It also contributes to the texture of the final product.
  • 340 ml Hot Water: Hot water is used to form the dough by combining it with the glutinous rice flour. The hot water activates the starches in the rice flour, creating a sticky and elastic dough.
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the cheese balls rise and become light and fluffy during cooking.
  • 2 tsp Salt: Salt enhances the overall flavor of the cheese balls, balancing the sweetness of other ingredients and adding a savory element to the dish.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the cheese ball dough, providing a contrast to the savory and salty flavors. It also contributes to the overall balance of flavors.
  • 200 g Mozzarella Cheese, grated: Mozzarella cheese adds a gooey and melty texture to the cheese balls. It’s a key ingredient for the cheesy filling, creating a delicious contrast to the chewy exterior.

Coating:

  • 2 cups Cheese Seasoning: Cheese seasoning enhances the cheesy flavor of the balls, providing an extra layer of taste to the exterior.
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory and aromatic element to the coating, complementing the cheese flavor and enhancing the overall taste.
  • 2 tsp Parsley (optional): Parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous note to the coating, contributing to the visual appeal and providing a subtle hint of freshness to the cheese balls.
How to Make Korean Cheese Balls Recipe

Directions

Step 1: Prepare Dough

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine Glutinous Rice Flour, Melted Butter, All-Purpose Flour, Hot Water, Baking Powder, Salt, and Granulated Sugar. Thoroughly mix the ingredients until a soft, pliable dough forms.

Step 2: Incorporate Cheese

Gently fold the grated Mozzarella Cheese into the dough, ensuring an even distribution of cheese throughout.

Step 3: Shape into Balls

Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball, approximately the size of a walnut. Repeat this process until all the dough has been shaped into balls.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine Cheese Seasoning, Garlic Powder, and Parsley (optional). This mixture will be used to coat the cheese balls.

Step 5: Coat the Cheese Balls

Roll each cheese ball in the coating mixture, ensuring an even and flavorful coverage. Place the coated balls on a tray or plate.

Step 6: Heat Oil

In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil to 350°F (180°C).

Step 7: Fry the Cheese Balls

Carefully drop a few cheese balls into the hot oil, frying them until they achieve a golden brown color, usually taking about 2-3 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even frying.

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Once the cheese balls are golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place the fried balls on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 9: Repeat the Process

Continue frying the remaining cheese balls in batches until all are cooked to perfection.

Step 10: Serve Warm

Korean Cheese Balls are best enjoyed while warm and gooey. Serve them immediately as a delightful snack or appetizer.

Optional: Garnish with Parsley

For an extra touch of visual appeal, garnish the cheese balls with additional parsley before serving.

Step 11: Enjoy

Dive into the irresistible delight of these Korean Cheese Balls, featuring a crispy coating and a gooey, cheesy center. Perfect for sharing or as a delectable treat any time of the day!

Tips

– Use a good quality cheese for the best results.
– Make sure the oil is hot before you add the cheese balls.
– Fry the cheese balls in batches so that they cook evenly.
– Serve the cheese balls with a dipping sauce of your choice.
– Experiment with different cheeses and flavors to find the combination that you like best.

Korean Cheese Balls Copycat Recipe

Nutrition Information

One serving of Korean cheese balls (three balls) has approximately 120 calories, 6 grams of fat, 8 grams of carbohydrates, and 6 grams of protein.

What to Serve with Korean Cheese Balls Recipe?

– Sweet and sour sauce
– Spicy sauce
– Honey mustard sauce
– BBQ sauce
– Teriyaki sauce
– Ranch dressing
– Guacamole

How to Store Leftover Korean Cheese Balls Recipe?

Leftover cheese balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the cheese balls in the oven or a skillet on the stove.

What Other Substitute Can I Use in Korean Cheese Balls Recipe?

– Ricotta cheese
– Cream cheese
– Feta cheese
– Blue cheese
– Goat cheese
– Monterey Jack cheese
– Parmesan cheese

Korean Cheese Balls Copycat Recipe

Korean Cheese Balls Recipe

Korean cheese balls are a delicious snack that is perfect for any occasion. They are a popular snack in Korea, and they are becoming increasingly popular in the United States as well. 
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Korean
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Cheese Balls:

  • 4 cups Glutinous Rice Flour
  • 40 g Melted Butter
  • 2/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 340 ml Hot Water
  • 1 tbsp Baking Powder
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar / brown sugar
  • 200 g Mozzarella Cheese grated

Coating:

  • 2 cups Cheese Seasoning
  • 2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 2 tsp Parsley optional

Instructions

  • Prepare Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine Glutinous Rice Flour, Melted Butter, All-Purpose Flour, Hot Water, Baking Powder, Salt, and Granulated Sugar. Mix well until a soft, pliable dough forms.
  • Incorporate Cheese: Fold the grated Mozzarella Cheese into the dough until it’s evenly distributed.
  • Shape into Balls: Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a ball, about the size of a walnut. Repeat until all the dough is used.
  • Prepare Coating Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix Cheese Seasoning, Garlic Powder, and Parsley (optional). This will be used to coat the cheese balls.
  • Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each cheese ball in the coating mixture until evenly covered. Place the coated balls on a tray or plate.
  • Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil to 350°F (180°C).
  • Fry the Cheese Balls: Carefully drop a few cheese balls into the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown, usually about 2-3 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  • Drain Excess Oil: Once the cheese balls are golden brown, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Repeat the Process: Continue frying the remaining cheese balls in batches until all are cooked.
  • Serve Warm: Korean Cheese Balls are best enjoyed when they are warm and gooey. Serve them immediately as a delightful snack or appetizer.
  • Optional: Garnish with Parsley: For an extra touch, garnish the cheese balls with additional parsley before serving.
  • Enjoy: Dive into these delicious Korean Cheese Balls with their crispy coating and gooey, cheesy center. Perfect for sharing or as a tasty treat any time of the day!

Notes

  • Use a good quality cheese for the best results.
  • Make sure the oil is hot before you add the cheese balls.
  • Fry the cheese balls in batches so that they cook evenly.
  • Serve the cheese balls with a dipping sauce of your choice.
  • Experiment with different cheeses and flavors to find the combination that you like best.
Keyword: Korean Cheese Balls Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do the cheese balls need to be fried?

A1. Yes, the cheese balls need to be fried to achieve the golden-brown, crispy texture.

Q2. Can I use other cheeses in the recipe?

A2. Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses in the recipe. Some examples of cheeses that work well are ricotta, cream cheese, feta, blue cheese, goat cheese, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.

Q3. What type of oil should I use to fry the cheese ball?

A3. You can use any type of oil that has a high smoking point such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

Q4. Can I freeze the cheese balls?

A4. Yes, you can freeze the cheese balls for up to three months. Freeze the cheese balls on a baking sheet and then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q5. What can I serve with the cheese balls?

A5. You can serve the cheese balls with a variety of dipping sauces such as sweet and sour sauce, spicy sauce, honey mustard sauce, BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, ranch dressing, and guacamole.

Q6. How long will the cheese balls stay fresh?

A6. The cheese balls will stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Q7. Are Korean cheese balls healthy?

A7. Yes, Korean cheese balls are a healthy snack option. They are low in calories and high in protein.

Conclusion

Korean cheese balls are a delicious and easy snack that can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish. They are made with just a few simple ingredients and are ready in minutes. This recipe is a great way to impress your guests and add a unique twist to a meal.

You’ll also like the latest recipes!

Author Profile

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating