These golden bites are crunchy, cheesy, and creamy all at once – a deep-fried delight that explodes with flavor. They can be made with a creamy mashed potato or béchamel base and stuffed with cheese, ham, jalapeños, or anything else you like.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Chilling time (optional but recommended): 30 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Tray or plate for chilling
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Deep fryer or deep saucepan
- Paper towels
- Food processor (optional)
🍽️ Ingredients
Creamy Filling:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix)
- ½ cup finely chopped filling of choice (e.g., ham, mushrooms, jalapeños, cooked chicken)
For Coating & Frying:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Oil, for deep frying
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture, but low-fat can work.
- Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, cheddar adds sharpness. Mix for best flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crispier texture; regular breadcrumbs work fine.
- Add-ins: Try bacon bits, sautéed onions, spinach, or spicy chilies for different variations.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Creamy Base
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened (~3–4 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Stir in the cheese and chosen filling (e.g., ham, veggies).
- Let the mixture cool, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes until firm.
Step 2: Shape the Bombs
- Scoop out portions of the chilled mixture and roll into balls (~1.5 inches).
- Place them on a tray and freeze for 10–15 minutes to firm up (optional but helps with coating).
Step 3: Coat and Fry
- Roll each ball in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry 3–4 bombs at a time until golden brown (2–3 minutes per batch).
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
🔍 Nutrition Facts (per piece, ~15 total)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbs | 10g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Note: Varies with ingredients and size.
💡 Tips & Variations
✅ Tips:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying – it drops the oil temperature.
- Use cold hands or gloves to roll the mixture into balls easily.
- Double coat for extra crunch: egg + breadcrumbs twice.
🧂 Variations:
- Spicy Bombs: Add chopped jalapeños and a pinch of cayenne.
- Pizza Bombs: Use mozzarella, pepperoni bits, and oregano.
- Sweet Bombs: Replace cheese/fillings with Nutella or sweet cream cheese for dessert bombs.