Cheesy Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food snack, combining creamy mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy golden crust.
Perfect as a party appetizer, a quick snack, or a side dish, these bite-sized delights are both versatile and delicious.
With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can customize them to suit your taste—whether you prefer a classic cheesy flavor or want to add a twist with bacon, herbs, or spices.
Whether fried or baked, these potato balls are sure to be a hit at your table!
What You Need:
2-3 big potatoes, or 2 cups, mashedShredded cheese, 1 cup (choose between mozzarella, cheddar, or another kind)
1/4 cup of finely grated ParmesanChop
1/4 cup of green onions or chives if desired.powdered garlic,
1/2 teaspoonhalf a teaspoon of celery powderAdd seasonings of salt and pepper to taste.
1 cup of breadcrumbs, plain or panko style2 or 3 beaten eggs (to form a binding)Frying oil (canola or vegetable)
Getting Ready
If you’re short on mashed potatoes, boil and mash some potatoes with some salt, pepper, and any seasonings you want.
Set aside.
Allow the mashed potatoes to cool down a little.
Step Two: Combine All of the Filling Ingredients: Mash potatoes, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, green onions (if desired), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper should be mixed together in a big basin.
Thoroughly blend all ingredients.Next, shape the mixture into balls, using a tiny bit at a time. Roll each ball into a ball with a diameter of approximately 1-1.5 inches.
Keep going until you’ve used up the whole mixture.4.
Bread the Balls:
Arrange a spread with two bowls: one for the beaten eggs and another for the breadcrumbs.
Coat each potato ball with breadcrumbs after dipping it in the egg and letting excess egg drain off.5.
Deep-fry the potato balls in oil heated over medium-high heat (about 350°F or 175°C) in a saucepan or skillet.
Fry the potato balls in batches, being careful with each addition, until they are crispy and golden brown, which should take around 3 to 4 minutes.
After taking them out, set them on a paper towel-lined dish to soak up any extra oil.
Warm the tortillas and top with sour cream, ranch, or marinara, if desired.
6. Serve.Advice:
If you want to amp up the taste of your potato combination, try adding some cooked bacon or ham.
If you’d rather have a healthy alternative, you may bake them at 400°F (200°C) for around 20-25 minutes.
Toss them with a little oil spray before baking.Those Cheesy Potato Balls are sure to please.
Cheesy Potato Balls are incredibly versatile, allowing you to experiment with flavors and ingredients.
For a meaty twist, mix in cooked bacon, ham, or even shredded chicken into the potato mixture.
Vegetarians can add finely chopped spinach, bell peppers, or sweet corn for extra texture and nutrients.
Spice lovers can enhance the flavor with paprika, chili flakes, or cumin.
To make them healthier, bake the potato balls at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes with a light oil spray instead of frying.
For an extra-crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs.
Ensure the mashed potatoes are firm to hold their shape, and chill the mixture slightly before rolling to make shaping easier.
Cheesy Potato Balls can be stored easily for later enjoyment.
Once cooked and cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to regain their crispy texture, or heat them briefly in a skillet.
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, fry or bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Cheesy Potato Balls are a delicious treat, but they are also indulgent.
Each serving (about 2-3 balls) contains approximately 200-250 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.
They provide a good source of carbohydrates from the potatoes and protein from the cheese and eggs.
However, they are also relatively high in fat due to the frying and cheese content.
For a lighter version, opt for baking instead of frying and use low-fat cheese.
Adding vegetables like spinach or using whole-grain breadcrumbs can boost the fiber content, making them a more balanced snack.
Always enjoy them in moderation as part of a varied diet!