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5.0 from 24 votes

Panko Pesto Mozzarella Balls

Panko Pesto Mozzarella Balls for the win! This cheesy baked appetizer is crazy addictive and totally tasty too!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
1 d
Total Time
28 mins
Servings: 14 servings
Calories: 123 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1.5 cups Panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp or so of Italian seasoning blend
  • 1-2 egg whites (slightly beaten)
  • approx 4oz Buitoni pesto
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ cup of flour
  • olive oil cooking spray
TOOLS NEEDED
  • Aluminum foil lined baking sheet/pan
  • Wire baking/cooling rack

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Cube and freeze your mozzarella 12-24 hours ahead of time.
  2. To freeze, lay cubes flat on a plate for 15-20 minutes and then move to a plastic baggie or covered bowl to freeze even further. This prevents sticking and also is a fabulous method for freezing fruit and veggies! 
  3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  
  4. Keep mozzarella cubes frozen until you have set up your ingredients into dipping bowls and preheated the oven.
  5. Combine seasoning blend and panko in a shallow bowl.
  6. Keep egg whites, flour, and pesto in separate bowls for dipping.
  7. Dipping order: Flour - Pesto - Egg Whites - Panko
  8. Move quickly so your balls don't begin to defrost, lol!
  9. After each ball gets it's turn in each bowl, place your completed mozzarella balls on your wire rack (the one you put on top of a aluminum foil lined cookie pan) after spraying/greasing the rack with olive oil.
  10. Once all your balls are in place (this is technical terminology people!) spray them with a light coat of your cooking spray and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until golden brown on the outside and soft and stretchy on the inside. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories 123kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 9g (3%) Protein 6g (12%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Cholesterol 13mg (4%) Sodium 228mg (10%) Potassium 33mg (1%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 273IU (5%) Calcium 109mg (11%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 14servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 123

% Daily Value*

Calories 123kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 9g 3%
Protein 6g 12%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Cholesterol 13mg 4%
Sodium 228mg 10%
Potassium 33mg 1%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 273IU 5%
Calcium 109mg 11%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.