Step 1: Mix the cheese filling

Start by combining your shredded mozzarella, white cheddar, jalapenos, and garlic in a large bowl. I like to use my hands to really mix everything together, ensuring that every bite has an even distribution of cheese and jalapenos. Pro tip: try to squeeze the mixture together in your hands to see if it holds. If it crumbles apart too easily, you might need to press a little harder when shaping them into balls.

Step 2: Shape and freeze

This part’s important—use your hands to form the mixture into about 10 balls, squeezing them tightly. You might think they’re too crumbly, but once they freeze, they’ll hold together beautifully. Place the balls on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for at least 4 hours. I know, waiting is the hardest part, but trust me—skipping this step means melted cheese everywhere when you fry them. Been there, done that.

Step 3: Set up the breading station

While the bites are freezing, prep your breading station. You’ll need three bowls: one with flour, another with the whisked eggs and milk, and the third with the panko, smoked paprika, and salt. I recommend setting these up assembly-line style to make the breading process go smoothly.

Step 4: Bread the cheese balls

Once the cheese balls are frozen solid, it’s time to get them ready for frying! Roll each one in the flour first (this helps the egg mixture stick), then dip it into the egg wash, and finally, roll it in the panko mixture. Press the panko onto the balls to make sure they’re fully coated.

Step 5: Fry to golden perfection

Heat about an inch of oil in your saucepan to 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles and turns golden in about 30 seconds, you’re good to go. Fry the bites in batches, giving them about 2 minutes per side. They should be golden brown on the outside and soft and melty on the inside. Don’t overcrowd the pan or the oil temperature will drop, and you’ll end up with soggy bites.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy!

Carefully remove the bites with a slotted spoon or tongs and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Serve them hot with ranch dressing on the side, because let’s face it—ranch makes everything better.