Greek Cheese Balls (Tirokeftedes) – Easy & Oven-Baked

These Traditional Greek Cheese Balls (Tirokroketes) are soft, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make — ready for the oven in just 5 minutes! Unlike deep-fried cheese croquettes, these are baked, making them lighter but still perfectly golden and flavorful. Ideal as a meze (appetizer), party snack, or side dish, they’re loaded with melty cheese and seasoned with smoked paprika for a delicious twist.

Greek Cheese Balls (Tirokeftedes) – Easy & Oven-Baked

Recipe by George Zolis

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: AppetizersCuisine: GreekDifficulty: Easy

Servings

22

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

170

kcal

Total time

35

minutes

Fluffy and cheesy Greek baked cheese balls (Tirokroketes) – quick to prepare, oven-baked, and full of flavor.

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Ingredients

Metric US

• 16 g 1 tbsp Dry Yeast

• 200 g 3/4 cup Milk

• 120 g 1/2 cup Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)

• 2 2 Eggs

• 500 g 4 cup All-purpose Flour

• 400 g 3 cup Melting Cheese, grated

• 1 tsp 1 tsp Salt

• 1 tsp 1 tsp Smoked Paprika

• Pepper, to taste

How to make Greek Cheese Balls

• In a bowl, combine yeast, milk, and olive oil. Stir.
• Add flour and eggs, mix lightly.
• Add grated cheese and mix again.
• Season with salt, paprika, and pepper. Knead until the dough comes together.
• Let rest for 15 minutes.
• Divide dough into 40 g portions, shape into balls, and arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C / 350°F (bottom/top heat) for 30 minutes until golden.

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Greek Cheese Balls – A Classic Meze Made Healthier

In Greece, tirokroketes are a popular meze served at tavernas and gatherings, usually deep-fried until crispy. This recipe offers a lighter twist by baking them in the oven — no frying required, but still soft, fluffy, and deliciously cheesy inside.

Quick & Easy – Ready in Minutes

You only need 5 minutes to prepare the dough, no long rising times. After a short 15-minute rest, simply shape into balls and bake. The result is a batch of golden cheese bites perfect for entertaining or snacking.

Serving Ideas

• Serve as part of a Greek meze platter with olives, dips, and charcuterie.
• Pair with tzatziki, spicy feta dip (tyrokafteri), or marinara sauce.
• Enjoy as a side dish with soups, stews, or grilled meats.

This Greek cheese ball recipe is a must-have for parties and casual get-togethers. It’s easy, mess-free, and guaranteed to disappear fast!

Related Recipes You May Enjoy

If you liked these cheese balls, try next:

• Crispy Greek Kourou Cheese Pies (No Butter)
• Crispy Greek Tomato Fritters – Santorini-Style with Fresh Herbs
• Homemade Sausage Rolls with Yogurt Dough: Fluffy and Tasty