MY OVEN FRIED CHEESE BALLS

My Oven Fried Cheese Balls image

Provided by Norma DeRemer

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 c frozen chopped onions and peppers, defrosted
4 oz (about 1 cup) shredded 50% cheddar cheese, such as gabot
1 tsp cornstarch
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c whole wheat flour
1 1/2 c whole wheat panko bread crumbs
2 large egg whites
nonstick cooking spray
1/2 c unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp chopped pickled jalapenos (optional)
1 tsp dijon mustard

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 450
2. Place a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl,mix to pepper and onion mixture with the cheese and cornstarch.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Form this mixture into 8 balls, squeezing out any excess liquid. (the balls will seem loose)
6. Transfer the balls to a plate and freeze for at least 15 minutes or until firm.
7. Put the flour in a shallow dish. Put the pando in another shallow dish.
8. In a medium bowl, whip the ege whites with a whisk until they are extremely foamy but not quite holding peaks.
9. Remove the cheee balls from the freezer. Working in batches, dredge the cheese ball in the flour, shaking off any excess.
10. Add the cheese balls to the egg whites and toss to coat them competely.
11. Add the cheese balls, a few pieces at a time. to the dish of panko and coat completly.
12. Spread the balls on the wire rack and spray them lightly with cooking spray.
13. Place in oven and bake until the reading is golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.
14. Meanwhile, combine the applesauce, jalapenos (optional) and mustard in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir.
15. Remove the cheese balls from the oven and serve with the sauce.