Heart-Healthy Crispy Cheese and Herb Fried Balls
Indulge in a guilt-free treat with these **Heart-Healthy Crispy Cheese and Herb Fried Balls**, a lighter twist on classic fried appetizers. Packed with reduced-fat cheddar and low-fat ricotta cheeses, these bite-sized delights are elevated by the fresh, vibrant flavors of parsley and basil. Rolled oats and whole wheat breadcrumbs provide a wholesome crunch, while garlic and onion powder add irresistible savory notes. These cheesy, herby bites are pan-fried with a light spray of olive oil, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior without the excess calories of deep frying. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party dish, this recipe is quick, nutrient-packed, and full of heart-healthy goodness, ready in just 35 minutes. Serve them warm and watch them disappear from the plate!
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Grate the reduced-fat cheddar cheese and set aside.
Finely chop the fresh parsley and basil.
In a large bowl, mix together the grated cheddar cheese, low-fat ricotta cheese, rolled oats, whole wheat breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and basil.
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the mixture, and stir until well combined.
Whisk the egg whites in a separate bowl until they are slightly frothy.
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.
Shape the mixture into small, uniform balls, around 1 inch in diameter.
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with olive oil spray.
Place the cheese balls in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Cook them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 5 to 6 minutes per batch.
Remove the fried balls from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
Serve warm and enjoy your heart-healthy crispy cheese and herb fried balls!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1617 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.1 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.3 g | 191% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 3435 mg | 149% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 152.8 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.2 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.7 g | ||
| Protein | 109.5 g | 219% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 2013 mg | 155% | |
| Iron | 13.2 mg | 73% | |
| Potassium | 1343 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
