If you love crispy, cheesy bites with a deliciously tender center, then these Cheesy Cod Fish Balls are about to become your new favorite snack! They’re golden on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside, and packed with flaky cod and gooey melted cheese.
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Perfect as an appetizer, a party snack, or even a light meal, these fish balls are a fun and tasty way to enjoy seafood. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love Cheesy Cod Fish Balls
- Crispy & Cheesy: A crunchy coating with a melty, cheesy center—pure perfection.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps that anyone can follow, no fancy techniques required.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love these little bites!
- Great for Any Occasion: Serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or even a light dinner.
- Customizable: Swap the cheese, add herbs, or spice them up to suit your taste.
Ingredients in Cheesy Cod Fish Balls
These flavorful fish balls come together with just a few simple ingredients:
- Cod Fillets: The star of the show! Fresh or frozen cod works well—just make sure it’s boneless and skinless.
- Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix of both for that gooey, melty center.
- Mashed Potatoes: Helps bind everything together while adding a creamy texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the fish balls together.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or regular breadcrumbs give them a crispy, golden crust.
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor to the mix.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in the cod.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and color to the mixture.
- Flour: Helps coat the fish balls for extra crispiness.
- Oil: For frying until perfectly golden and crunchy.
(Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card below!)
Instructions
Let’s break it down into simple steps:
- Prepare the Cod: Cook the cod fillets by steaming, baking, or poaching them until flaky. Let cool slightly, then flake into small pieces with a fork.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flaked cod, mashed potatoes, cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well until a dough-like consistency forms.
- Shape the Fish Balls: Scoop out small portions and roll them into bite-sized balls. If the mixture is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Coat the Fish Balls: Roll each ball in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat with breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a pan and fry the fish balls in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
How to Serve Cheesy Cod Fish Balls
These crispy bites are delicious on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
- With Dipping Sauces: Try tartar sauce, garlic aioli, marinara, or spicy mayo.
- As a Side Dish: Pair with a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- In a Sandwich: Stuff them in a sub roll with lettuce and sauce for a seafood sandwich.
- With Rice or Pasta: Serve with a side of rice or pasta for a heartier meal.
- Party-Style: Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh or Frozen Cod: If using frozen cod, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking.
- Want It Spicier? Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Make Them Healthier: Instead of frying, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Store & Reheat: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze uncooked fish balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry or bake straight from frozen.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of fish?
A1: Yes! You can substitute cod with haddock, pollock, or tilapia.
Q2: Can I air fry these instead of deep frying?
A2: Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q3: How do I keep them from falling apart?
A3: Make sure the mixture is well-combined and not too wet. Chilling before shaping also helps.
Q4: What cheese works best for the filling?
A4: Mozzarella for gooeyness, cheddar for sharpness, or a mix of both!
Q5: Can I make these ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can shape the fish balls and store them in the fridge for up to a day before frying.
Q6: How do I make these gluten-free?
A6: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Q7: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A7: Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Q8: What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
A8: Arrange on a platter with small skewers and serve with dipping sauces.
Q9: Can I add veggies to the mixture?
A9: Absolutely! Finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or grated carrots work great.
Q10: What’s the best oil for frying?
A10: Use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil for best results.
Final Thoughts
These Cheesy Cod Fish Balls are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—a fun and delicious way to enjoy seafood! Whether you serve them as an appetizer, snack, or part of a meal, they’re always a hit.
Print
Cheesy Cod Fish Balls
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 30–32 small cod fish balls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
These Cheesy Cod Fish Balls are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and filled with gooey mozzarella. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course with rice and veggies. Enjoy these Mediterranean-inspired bites at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 2 small-medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 2 cups mashed)
- 550–600 g cod fillets, cut into large chunks
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 medium yellow onion, grated (juices squeezed out)
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 30–32 small cubes mozzarella cheese (about 1/2-inch squares)
- Avocado oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place potato chunks in a pot with cold salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain and mash the potatoes. Set aside.
- Arrange cod pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until cooked through. Let cool slightly.
- Shred the cooled cod with a fork and add it to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix in garlic, grated onion, salt, pepper, parsley, mint, dill, olive oil, panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and whisked eggs. Combine well.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours, allowing the mixture to cool and firm up.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per ball, pressing a cube of mozzarella into the center. Roll into balls and set aside on a plate. You should have 30-32 fish balls.
- Heat about 1 ½ to 2 inches of avocado oil in a deep pan over medium heat. The oil is ready when a wooden spoon dipped in sizzles.
- Fry the cod fish balls in batches for 5-7 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining fish balls.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a healthier version, try air-frying at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- Serve with a lemon aioli or tzatziki for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: Refrigerate the formed fish balls for up to a day before frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fish ball
- Calories: 84g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 22mg