Herbed Cheese Balls with Toasted Sesame
Indulge in the delightful crunch and savory flavor of these Herbed Cheese Balls with Toasted Sesame. Perfect as appetizers or a snack, these baked cheese balls are made from a blend of fresh cheese or feta, aromatic herbs, and a hint of seasoning. Coated in golden sesame seeds, they're not only delicious but also visually appealing. Easy to prepare and ideal for sharing at gatherings or parties, these cheese balls are sure to impress your guests with their rich taste and wonderful texture.
N/A
Servings
40
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh cheese or feta
500 g (crumbled)
Mixed aromatic herbs
1 cup (finely chopped)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Potato flakes
1/2 cup (for puree)
Salt
to taste (if using unsalted cheese)
Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
White wine
1-3 tablespoons (optional, if cheese is dry)
Sesame seeds
for topping (to coat)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tin with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
2
In a mixing bowl, mash the fresh cheese or feta using a fork until smooth and creamy.
3
Add the finely chopped mixed herbs, eggs, potato flakes, salt, and pepper to the cheese, mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
4
If the mixture is too dry, add the wine tablespoon by tablespoon until you achieve a smooth consistency.
5
Using your hands, divide the mixture into 40 equal portions. Roll each portion into small balls, ensuring they are compact.
6
Spread the sesame seeds on a plate. Roll each cheese ball in the sesame seeds until well-coated.
7
Place the sesame-coated cheese balls on the prepared baking tin, ensuring they are spaced apart.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the sesame seeds are golden brown and the cheese balls are heated through.
9
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Nutrition Information
2.5 g
Fat
2 g
Carbs
1.75 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Herbed Cheese Balls with Toasted Sesame?
They are a savory, baked appetizer made from fresh cheese or feta, aromatic herbs, and potato flakes, finished with a crunchy toasted sesame seed coating.
What type of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
You can use either fresh cheese or feta cheese, depending on your preference for saltiness and texture.
Are these cheese balls baked or fried?
These cheese balls are baked in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a healthier alternative to frying.
How many cheese balls does this recipe produce?
The recipe is designed to be divided into approximately 40 equal-sized small cheese balls.
What is the calorie count for one cheese ball?
Each herbed cheese ball contains approximately 40 calories.
What role do potato flakes play in the recipe?
Potato flakes act as a binder to help hold the cheese and herbs together while providing a light texture.
Can I substitute the potato flakes?
While potato flakes provide a specific texture, you could try breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute, though the consistency may vary.
Is the white wine necessary?
The white wine is optional and should only be used tablespoon by tablespoon if the mixture feels too dry to roll into balls.
Which herbs should I use?
A mix of aromatic herbs like parsley, dill, chives, or oregano works beautifully in this recipe.
How long do they need to bake?
They should be baked for about 15 minutes or until the sesame seeds turn a golden brown color.
How do I get the sesame seeds to stick?
Simply roll the formed cheese balls onto a plate covered in sesame seeds; the moisture from the cheese and eggs will help them adhere.
Are these cheese balls gluten-free?
This depends on the brand of potato flakes used; ensure your potato flakes are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and roll the balls in advance, then bake them just before serving for the best texture.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each cheese ball provides approximately 1.75 grams of protein.
Should I add salt to the mixture?
You should only add salt to taste if you are using an unsalted fresh cheese; if using feta, additional salt is usually not needed.
Can I use black sesame seeds instead?
Yes, black sesame seeds can be used for a more dramatic visual contrast, or a mix of both black and white seeds.
What is the best way to serve these?
They are best served warm as an appetizer or snack, but they are also delicious at room temperature.
Can I freeze the unbaked cheese balls?
Yes, you can freeze them on a tray and then transfer to a bag; bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the timer.
What can I use instead of eggs?
The eggs act as a binder; for an egg-free version, you might try a flax egg or additional cream cheese, though the texture will change.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Are these suitable for a keto diet?
With 2 grams of carbohydrates per ball, they can fit into a keto diet in moderation, depending on your daily limits.
Can I add spices to the cheese?
Absolutely, feel free to add black pepper, chili flakes, or garlic powder to customize the flavor profile.
How do I prevent the balls from falling apart?
Ensure the mixture is well-combined and that you roll them firmly into compact spheres before coating with sesame.
What dipping sauces go well with these?
They pair well with tzatziki, a light marinara, or even a honey-mustard dip.
Is there a specific size for the balls?
The recipe suggests dividing the 500g of cheese into 40 portions, which results in bite-sized balls roughly the size of a large cherry.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for the best flavor, but if using dried, reduce the quantity to 1/3 cup as they are more concentrated.
How much fat is in each cheese ball?
Each individual cheese ball contains about 2.5 grams of fat.
Do I need to grease the baking tin?
Yes, either use parchment paper or lightly grease the tin with oil to prevent the cheese from sticking.
Can I use a different type of wine?
If needed, a dry white wine is best, but you can also use a splash of milk or water if you prefer to avoid alcohol.
Are these good for party platters?
Yes, they are ideal finger foods for parties because they are easy to pick up and look elegant with their sesame coating.