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Spaghetti with Crispy Cheese Balls for a Family Dinner

Spaghetti with Crispy Cheese Balls for a Family Dinner

Spaghetti with crispy cheese balls is a delightful twist on a classic family dinner. The combination of perfectly cooked spaghetti topped with a rich tomato sauce and surrounded by golden, crunchy cheese balls makes this dish both comforting and fun. It’s sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a hit at the dinner table. The crispy cheese balls add a playful element to the meal, and the rich tomato sauce perfectly complements the spaghetti. Here are a few reasons to love it:

  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Fun for the whole family
  • Crunchy cheese balls add texture
  • Perfect for leftovers
  • Customizable to suit your taste

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil)

How to Make Spaghetti with Cheese Balls

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
  4. Shape the cheese mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should have around 12 cheese balls.
  5. In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cheese balls in batches, frying until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. To serve, place a mound of spaghetti on each plate, top with warmed marinara sauce, and arrange the crispy cheese balls on top. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the cheese balls to prevent them from becoming greasy.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture or the marinara sauce.
  • Adjust the size of the cheese balls to your preference; smaller balls will cook faster.

Easy Variations

  • Substitute the mozzarella with cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses for different flavors.
  • Add cooked vegetables, like spinach or mushrooms, to the cheese mixture for added nutrition.
  • For a spicy kick, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes with the marinara sauce.

What to Serve With It

  • A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette
  • Garlic bread or breadsticks for a perfect side
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables for added nutrition
  • A glass of red wine for the adults

Storage and Reheating

Leftover spaghetti and cheese balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through. For the cheese balls, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Spaghetti with Crispy Cheese Balls
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Oil for frying (vegetable or olive oil)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
  4. Shape the cheese mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. You should have around 12 cheese balls.
  5. In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cheese balls in batches, frying until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  6. To serve, place a mound of spaghetti on each plate, top with warmed marinara sauce, and arrange the crispy cheese balls on top. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Notes: Adjust the size of the cheese balls to your preference; smaller balls will cook faster. For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices to the breadcrumb mixture or the marinara sauce.

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