Shelly's Recipe

FRIED PIMENTO-CHEESE BALLS

Category: Cheeseballs

1 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp hot pepper sauce
1/2 tsp Creole seasoning
3 egg whites, beaten stiff
2 cups panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs), divided*
Oil for frying
Creole Ranch Dipping Sauce (recipe follows)

In a medium bowl, combine cheese, pimentos, flour, hot pepper sauce, and Creole seasoning. Stir in egg whites and 1 cup panko. Roll mixture into 24 (1-inch) balls. Roll each ball in remaining 1 cup panko to coat well.

Fill a Dutch oven two-thirds full with oil and heat to 350 over medium heat. Fry cheese balls, 4 at a time, for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until lightly browned. Drain on paper towels and keep warm. Serve with Creole Ranch Dipping Sauce

Creole Ranch Dipping Sauce
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tbsp Creole mustard
1 tsp dry ranch-flavored salad dressing and recipe mix
1/2 tsp dried dill and dried chives
1/8 tsp salt

In a small bowl, combine all . Cover and chill until ready to use.