Description
These golden, bite-sized Cream Cheese Poppers are crisp on the outside, irresistibly creamy in the center, and perfect whenever you need a quick breakfast bite, easy dinner starter, or healthy snack upgrade. They’re the kind of crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears in minutes and instantly levels up your breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, and party snack spread. Made with simple ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, game days, or whenever you’re craving new food ideas that feel special without a lot of work.
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese softened
1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese
3 green onions finely sliced plus extra for garnish
1 large egg room temperature
1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying such as vegetable or canola
Instructions
1. Beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth and fluffy.
2. Stir in the shredded cheese, sliced green onions, and egg until well combined.
3. Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture and gently fold until no dry flour remains.
4. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
5. Meanwhile, pour oil into a deep saucepan or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches and heat to 350°F (175°C).
6. Scoop walnut-sized portions of the chilled mixture with a small cookie scoop or spoon and carefully drop them into the hot oil.
7. Fry the poppers in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally, until deeply golden and crisp.
8. Transfer the fried poppers to a paper towel–lined plate to drain and immediately sprinkle with a pinch of salt and extra green onions.
9. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
Chilling the mixture makes it much easier to scoop and helps the poppers hold their shape while frying.
Keep the oil close to 350°F (175°C); oil that’s too cool makes greasy poppers, while oil that’s too hot can brown the outside before the center heats through.
For a spicy kick, add finely diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 poppers
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 13
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 70
Keywords: cream cheese poppers,fried cheese balls,party appetizers,game day snacks,quick appetizer,easy recipe,cheesy snack,food ideas