Craving a snack that’s crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor? Look no further than these delicious Potato Cheese Balls! These bite-sized delights are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party, need an appetizer, or just want something tasty to munch on. Made with creamy mashed potatoes, stuffed with melted cheese, and fried to golden perfection, these snacks are not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to make. Plus, they’re versatile, so you can customize them to your liking. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, cheesy, or even herby flavors, Potato Cheese Balls are sure to become your go-to snack!
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes (boiled and mashed)
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying
Steps
1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
Begin by boiling the potatoes until they are soft and mashable. Once boiled, peel and mash them in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add the finely chopped green onions, parsley or cilantro, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix everything together until the spices and herbs are well incorporated, creating a flavorful base for the cheese balls.
2. Add the Cheese:
Take small portions of the potato mixture and flatten them in your palm. Place a small amount of shredded cheese in the center and carefully mold the potato mixture around the cheese, forming a ball. Ensure that the cheese is completely enclosed within the potato mixture to prevent it from leaking out during frying.
3. Coat the Balls:
In separate bowls, prepare the flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. Roll each potato cheese ball first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. This triple-coating process ensures that your potato cheese balls will have a crisp, golden exterior.
4. Fry to Perfection:
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated potato cheese balls in batches. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
5. Serve Hot and Enjoy:
Serve your Potato Cheese Balls immediately while they’re still hot and the cheese inside is gooey. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick of flavor.
Tips for Variation
- Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes to the potato mixture for a spicy version of these cheese balls.
- Herby Delight: Incorporate a variety of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil into the potato mix for a fragrant twist.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda, feta, or pepper jack for unique flavors.
- Stuffed Surprise: Add a small piece of cooked bacon or a slice of pepperoni in the center along with the cheese for a meaty surprise.
- Healthier Option: Bake the cheese balls in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegetable Addition: Incorporate finely grated carrots or zucchini into the potato mixture for added nutrients and color.
- Saucy Twist: Serve the cheese balls tossed in buffalo sauce or honey mustard for a zesty flavor experience.
Macros
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 14g
Frequently Asked Questions for Potato Cheese Balls
- Can I make these Potato Cheese Balls ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the balls, coat them, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This makes them perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Can I freeze Potato Cheese Balls?
- Absolutely! After coating, freeze them on a tray before transferring to a bag. They can be fried directly from frozen, just add a minute or two to the frying time.
- What dipping sauces go best with Potato Cheese Balls?
- These cheese balls pair well with a variety of sauces like marinara, garlic aioli, ranch, or even a sweet chili sauce.
- How do I keep the cheese from leaking out during frying?
- Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed in the potato mixture and that the balls are well-coated with breadcrumbs to prevent leakage.
- Can I air fry these Potato Cheese Balls?
- Yes, air frying is a healthier option. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the balls for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipes: The Ultimate Snack Delight
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes boiled and mashed
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup of finely chopped green onions
- ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Potato Mixture:
- Boil the potatoes until soft and mashable.
- Peel and mash the potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Add chopped green onions, parsley or cilantro, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mashed potatoes.
- Mix until well combined.
Add the Cheese:
- Take small portions of the potato mixture and flatten them in your palm.
- Place a small amount of shredded cheese in the center.
- Carefully mold the potato mixture around the cheese to form a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
Coat the Balls:
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Roll each potato cheese ball in the flour, then dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
Fry to Perfection:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the coated potato cheese balls in batches.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Serve Hot and Enjoy:
- Serve the potato cheese balls immediately while hot.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo.