Are you looking for a quick, delicious snack that everyone will love? Look no further than these Cheesy Potato Balls! Crispy on the outside with a gooey, cheesy center, they’re the perfect treat for a family gathering, game night, or a simple afternoon snack. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible cheesy potato balls from scratch.
Ingredients for Cheesy Potato Balls:
To make around 12 cheesy potato balls, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes (peeled and boiled)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)
- Oil for frying
These simple ingredients come together to create the ultimate snack, loved by kids and adults alike!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Potato Balls:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by boiling the potatoes. Peel and dice the potatoes into medium chunks, then place them in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, around 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and mash the potatoes until smooth. Let the mashed potatoes cool for a few minutes.
Step 2: Form the Potato Balls
Once the mashed potatoes have cooled slightly, it’s time to form the balls. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the shredded mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley (if using). Mix everything until it’s evenly combined.
Using your hands, take a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 12 balls from the mixture.
Step 3: Coat the Potato Balls
In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each potato ball first into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs until it’s completely covered. This will give the potato balls that crispy, golden exterior once fried.
Step 4: Fry the Potato Balls
Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a fryer to around 350°F (175°C). Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the coated potato balls into the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.
Once the potato balls are fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your cheesy potato balls are now ready to be served! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired, and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or marinara sauce.
These cheesy potato balls are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. They’re great for kids’ parties, gatherings, or just for a quick and delicious bite whenever you’re craving something cheesy and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy exterior: The breadcrumb coating gives these potato balls an irresistibly crispy outer layer that’s the perfect contrast to the soft mashed potato and gooey cheese inside.
- Melty cheese: The mozzarella cheese creates a gooey center that stretches with every bite—an absolute crowd-pleaser!
- Customizable: You can easily make this recipe your own by adding extra ingredients like bacon bits, herbs, or even some spicy jalapenos to kick up the flavor.
- Great for meal prep: These cheesy potato balls are perfect for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for later use.
Nutritional Information
Each cheesy potato ball contains approximately:
- Calories: 120-150 per ball (depending on size and oil used)
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
For a healthier version, consider baking the potato balls instead of frying them. Simply place the breaded potato balls on a baking sheet, lightly spray with olive oil, and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Potato Balls:
- Use starchy potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe because they’re starchy and will create a fluffier texture when mashed.
- Don’t skip the cheese: The key to these cheesy potato balls is the mozzarella. Be sure to use high-quality mozzarella for the best melting effect.
- Make them ahead of time: You can prep these potato balls and freeze them before frying. Just pop them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, then fry as needed. This is a great way to have a quick snack ready at any time.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the potato mixture before rolling into balls to adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can add extra garlic, herbs, or spices for more flavor.
- Serve with dipping sauces: These potato balls pair perfectly with your favorite sauces. Consider serving them with ketchup, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo dip.
Why Cheesy Potato Balls Are So Popular:
Cheesy potato balls have gained popularity for a reason. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to make, and loved by almost everyone. Whether you’re preparing them for a party or simply want a quick snack, they’re always a hit. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and don’t require many ingredients, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or when you’re on a budget.
Conclusion
These cheesy potato balls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Their combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors makes them the perfect snack for any occasion. Whether you fry them or bake them, these cheesy delights are sure to impress everyone at your next gathering.
Make sure to share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to check out more delicious snack ideas on our blog. Happy cooking!