21 Apr 2025
Cook time 55 min
Prep time 60 min
Ingredients:
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1.50 cups greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp vinegar
Cheesy bread balls with roasted tomato salsa is a delicious and versatile appetizer perfect for any gathering. Combining the savory goodness of mozzarella cheese and the tangy sweetness of roasted tomatoes, this recipe works as a crowd-pleasing snack or a delightful side dish.
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Making the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of Greek yogurt, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, and 1 tsp salt.
- Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add in the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) and stir to create a sticky dough.
3. Shaping the Bread Balls:
- Grease your hands with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
4. Baking the Bread Balls:
- Lightly brush the top of each dough ball with olive oil using a pastry brush.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bread balls are golden brown and firm to the touch.
5. Preparing the Roasted Tomato Salsa:
- While the bread balls are baking, prepare the roasted tomato salsa.
- In a bowl, toss the cherry tomato halves (1 cup) with 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp dried oregano.
- Spread the tomato mixture evenly on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
6. Finishing the Salsa:
- Once cooked, transfer the roasted tomatoes to a bowl.
- Add 1 tsp vinegar and a pinch of salt to taste.
- Stir to combine and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serving:
- Remove the baked bread balls from the oven and let them cool slightly.
- Serve the cheesy bread balls warm, accompanied by the roasted tomato salsa for dipping.
Tips:
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer taste and better texture.
- For a spicier salsa, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño.
- Make sure to finely chop the garlic to evenly distribute its flavor in the salsa.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute the baking powder and soda with a gluten-free baking mix.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist.
This recipe for cheesy bread balls with roasted tomato salsa is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will leave your guests craving more. Enjoy the rich, gooey cheese and the flavorful, roasted tomato salsa as a perfect complement to each other.