Heart-Healthy Crispy Cheese and Herb Fried Balls
Indulge guilt-free with these Heart-Healthy Crispy Cheese and Herb Fried Balls—where comfort food meets smart nutrition! This delicious recipe combines the creamy tang of reduced-fat cheddar and low-fat ricotta with the goodness of rolled oats and whole wheat breadcrumbs for a fiber-rich twist. Infused with fresh parsley, basil, and a medley of fragrant spices, each bite is bursting with flavor. These golden, crispy cheese balls are lightly pan-fried using an olive oil spray, making them a low-fat, heart-healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks. Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re perfect for a wholesome appetizer or snack. Serve them warm, and watch them vanish in moments!
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Ingredients
- 200 grams Reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 150 grams Low-fat ricotta cheese
- 100 grams Rolled oats
- 100 grams Whole wheat breadcrumbs
- 10 grams Fresh parsley
- 10 grams Fresh basil
- 3 whole Egg whites
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 count Olive oil spray
Directions
Step 1
Grate the reduced-fat cheddar cheese and set aside.
Step 2
Finely chop the fresh parsley and basil.
Step 3
In a large bowl, mix together the grated cheddar cheese, low-fat ricotta cheese, rolled oats, whole wheat breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and basil.
Step 4
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, and stir until well combined.
Step 5
Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl until they are slightly frothy.
Step 6
Gradually fold the egg whites into the cheese and herb mixture until the mixture holds together. If it's too dry, add a little bit more ricotta cheese. If too wet, add a touch more breadcrumbs.
Step 7
Shape the mixture into small, uniform balls, around 1 inch in diameter.
Step 8
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with olive oil spray.
Step 9
Place the cheese balls in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Step 10
Cook them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 5 to 6 minutes per batch.
Step 11
Remove the fried balls from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
Step 12
Serve warm and enjoy your heart-healthy crispy cheese and herb fried balls!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (678.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1616.6 |
| Total Fat 67.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 38.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 199.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3434.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 152.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 22.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 4.7g | |
| Protein 109.5g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 42.9IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2013.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1343.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories