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Spaghetti with cheese balls is a fun and indulgent dish that combines classic comfort with a cheesy twist. Imagine a plate of al dente spaghetti smothered in rich marinara sauce, all topped with crispy, gooey cheese balls. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that brings smiles to the table while being surprisingly easy to make. Get ready to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy spaghetti dish is not just about flavor; it’s about fun! The crispy cheese balls add texture and excitement to your meal, making it a hit for both kids and adults.
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- Kid-Friendly: The combination of pasta and cheese is always a winner.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Gooey Goodness: Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside.
- Flavor Packed: Rich marinara complements the cheesy bites beautifully.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Oil for frying
How to Make Spaghetti with Cheese Balls
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. You should get around 12-15 cheese balls.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cheese balls in batches, frying until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a large saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed through.
- To serve, place a mound of spaghetti on each plate, spoon marinara sauce over the top, and finish with crispy cheese balls. Garnish with fresh basil.
Tips for the Best Results
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the cheese balls to ensure they crisp up perfectly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this will help achieve an even golden brown on the cheese balls.
- Use fresh ingredients for the marinara sauce if possible; it elevates the dish significantly.
Easy Variations
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- Swap out mozzarella for cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the spaghetti for extra nutrition.
What to Serve With It
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for extra dipping goodness.
- A side of sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli for color and crunch.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover spaghetti and cheese balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the spaghetti in a saucepan with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. For the cheese balls, reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the cheese mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. You should get around 12-15 cheese balls.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cheese balls in batches, frying until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a large saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed through.
- To serve, place a mound of spaghetti on each plate, spoon marinara sauce over the top, and finish with crispy cheese balls. Garnish with fresh basil.
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Notes: Leftover spaghetti and cheese balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the spaghetti in a saucepan with a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. For the cheese balls, reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
