Italian Cheese Balls

11 Reviews

“The cheese balls are actually a mixture of pecan meal, bread crumbs, cheese, and eggs. After frying, they are smothered in a tomato sauce, and baked to perfection. Uncooked cheese balls can be frozen for later use.” - by Debbie Russell

Directions

In a large bowl, mix together pecans, bread crumbs, cheese, eggs, and onion. Shape into golf ball size balls.
Heat oil in an electric deep fryer or heavy saucepan to 365 degrees F ( 170 degrees C). Add cheese balls to hot oil, and fry until brown. Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. Transfer to an 8 inch square baking pan.
In a medium bowl, mix together tomato juice, tomato soup, and cumin. Cover cheese balls with sauce. Sprinkle additional cheese on top, if desired.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 15 minutes.

Reviews (11)

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TLHGWP

Oct. 2, 2002

"These are excellent! I am a vegetarian and couldn't ask for a more perfect snack or appetizer for a meal. They are absolutely delicious! I accidentally left out the pecans in the first time around ..." See moreand they were still great! I am making them again, being sure that I remember the pecans this time! A++++++ (I hardly ever give five stars)"

Loll

Dec. 15, 2002

"Really enjoyed these ... a great change from meatballs - my family enjoyed them too. I also cooked the cheese balls in the oven to avoid deep-frying - 350 degrees for 30 min. was all that was needed...." See more I also placed them on parchment paper so I didn't have to grease the pan either. I substituted my own spiced tomato sauce but next time I'll try the one on the recipe. Thanks Debbie! "

JFOURNIER

Aug. 29, 2002

"This is similar to the Italian Cheese Ball recipe I stole from Kettering Medical Center (Kettering, Ohio) in 1980 - only they called for ground walnuts, instead of pecans. I think thre's more flavor w..." See moreith walnuts. Strict carnivores I know don't care for this recipe, and my kids hated it. I love this recipe, however, and so do all my veggie friends. NB: I avoid all frying, so I brown the cheese balls in the oven first - 40 min at 350°F. It makes for a lot of oven time, but cuts way down on the fat intake."

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