Cheese Balls and Chili Mayo Dip

While browsing Pinterest.com I found this recipe for Cheese Balls. They weren't exactly what I had expected but they were amazing none the less. The guys loved them so they must have been good. If I had any more than 3 people at the house there would have been a second batch made. This recipe allowed me to make exactly 24 1-inch balls. Enough rambling, here is the recipe.

For the Cheese Balls
8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (I used shredded)
1/4 cup finely diced sweet onion, like Vidalia
1 cup dry unseasoned bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
vegetable oil for frying

For the Mayonnaise
1/4 cup mayonaise (I use Hellman's)
1 1/2 Tablespoons chili sauce
1/4 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Pinch of kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Tabasco to taste, optional (but good)
Ground cayenne pepper to taste, optional (but good)

For the Chili Mayonnaise

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chili sauce, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper.  Stir until smooth.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Mayonnaise can be made up to one day in advance.

For the Cheese Balls

In a medium bowl, combine the cheese, onion, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, and eggs until thoroughly mixed.  Roll the mixture into balls about 1-inch in diameter.  Place the balls on a wax or parchment paper lined cookie sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to fry. The cheese balls can be prepared to this point up to three hours in advance. 

In heavy medium frying pan, heat 2 inches of oil to 375º F.  Carefully place four balls at a time in the hot oil.  (Adding too many balls at time will reduce the oil temperature).  After 30 seconds, gently nudge each ball with the side of a spoon/skimmer to loosen from the bottom.  Allow the balls to fry for another 1-1 1/2 minutes or until golden brown.  Remove the balls from the oil and drain on a paper towel lined plate or baking sheet.  Keep warm in a 200º F oven until ready to serve.

To serve, dip a cheese ball into the chili mayonnaise then dash it with a drop or two of Tabasco or cayenne pepper.  Enjoy! They are definitely not the healthiest thing you could put in your mouth but so worth it for a weekend cheat day!

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