Introduction
Cheesy Potato Balls are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of potatoes and cheese into a crispy, bite-sized snack. These golden brown morsels are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a fun appetizer before dinner. Their rich, cheesy filling and crispy exterior make them an irresistible snack that everyone will love.
The beauty of Cheesy Potato Balls lies in their simplicity. Using everyday ingredients like potatoes, cheese, and breadcrumbs, you can create a snack that is both delicious and satisfying. They are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and transform them into something special.
These potato balls are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. You can experiment with different types of cheese, add herbs and spices for extra flavor, or even incorporate some finely chopped vegetables. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen.
One of the best things about Cheesy Potato Balls is that they are easy to make. With a few simple steps, you can prepare them ahead of time and fry them just before serving. This makes them a convenient option for busy days when you want to serve a homemade snack without spending hours in the kitchen.
In addition to being a great snack, Cheesy Potato Balls can also be a fun cooking project to do with kids. They will enjoy rolling the potato mixture into balls and dipping them in breadcrumbs. It’s a wonderful way to get children involved in the kitchen and introduce them to the joys of cooking.
Cheesy Potato Balls are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Their crispy, golden-brown exterior and gooey, cheesy center make them a hit at any gathering. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor and watch them disappear in no time.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack, a party appetizer, or a way to use up leftover potatoes, Cheesy Potato Balls are the perfect choice. Their combination of simple ingredients, rich flavors, and easy preparation makes them a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Start by preparing your mashed potatoes. If using leftover mashed potatoes, ensure they are cold and firm. If making fresh mashed potatoes, let them cool completely before using.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Using your hands or a cookie scoop, shape the potato mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second bowl, and the breadcrumbs in the third bowl.
Roll each potato ball in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured ball into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, roll the ball in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
Repeat the breading process with all the potato balls. Once all the balls are coated, place them back on the baking sheet.
Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1-2 inches deep. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden brown, the oil is ready.
Carefully add the potato balls to the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried potato balls to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Repeat the frying process with the remaining potato balls. Keep the cooked potato balls warm in a low oven (200°F) while frying the rest.
Serve the Cheesy Potato Balls hot, with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara, or honey mustard. Enjoy!
How to Make
Start with well-mashed potatoes. For the best results, use cold, firm mashed potatoes. This helps the mixture hold together better when forming the balls.
Combine the mashed potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed and well incorporated.
Shape the mixture into small balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter to ensure even cooking.
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Fill one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. This makes the breading process efficient and organized.
Roll each potato ball in the flour first, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the potato ball.
Place the coated potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes it easy to transfer them to the frying pan.
Heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the potato balls quickly, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside creamy and cheesy.
Carefully add the potato balls to the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried potato balls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Keep the cooked potato balls warm in a low oven while you fry the remaining batches.
Serve the Cheesy Potato Balls hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy the crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior of these delicious snacks.
Tips
Use cold, firm mashed potatoes for the best results. If the mashed potatoes are too soft, the mixture may not hold together well.
Experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack can add unique flavors.
Add finely chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to the potato mixture for extra flavor and color.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is not hot enough, the potato balls may absorb too much oil and become greasy.
Fry the potato balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in uneven cooking.
Drain the fried potato balls on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.
Keep the cooked potato balls warm in a low oven while frying the remaining batches. This ensures they stay hot and crispy until serving.
Serve the Cheesy Potato Balls with a variety of dipping sauces to complement their flavor. Options include ranch, marinara, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.
Leftover Cheesy Potato Balls can be reheated in the oven. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 10 minutes.
For a healthier alternative, you can bake the potato balls instead of frying them. Place the breaded balls on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
Conclusion
Cheesy Potato Balls are a delightful and indulgent snack that combines the comforting flavors of potatoes and cheese into a crispy, bite-sized treat. They are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or as a fun appetizer before dinner.
Despite their impressive appearance, Cheesy Potato Balls are easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious snack that looks and tastes gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen.
The versatility of this dish allows you to customize the filling with different types of cheese, herbs, and spices to suit your taste. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or experiment with new flavors, Cheesy Potato Balls are sure to be a hit.
Their crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior make them a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor and watch them disappear in no time.
In addition to being delicious, Cheesy Potato Balls can also be made ahead of time and reheated when needed. This makes them a convenient option for busy days when you want to serve a homemade snack without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty snack, a party appetizer, or a way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, Cheesy Potato Balls are the perfect choice. Their combination of simple ingredients, rich flavors, and easy preparation makes them a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Enjoy the comfort and deliciousness of Cheesy Potato Balls. With their rich, cheesy filling and crispy exterior, they are a timeless treat that will bring joy to any occasion. Savor every bite and share this delightful snack with your friends and family.