Cheesy Potato Balls
Cheesy Potato Balls are crispy bite-sized snacks with a golden exterior and a gooey, cheesy center, made from fluffy mashed potatoes and melting cheese. Perfect as a party appetizer or a comforting snack, this simple recipe uses pantry staples and is easy for cooks of all skill levels to prepare.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 potato balls 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 4 large Russet potatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish and flavor)
- Finely chopped jalapeños or chili flakes (for spicy variation)
- Fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary (for herb-infused variation)
- Plant-based cheese and flax egg (for vegan option)
- Small pieces of cooked bacon or seasoned mushrooms (for stuffed variation)
- Prepare the potatoes: Peel and boil the potatoes until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and mash with butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before handling.
- Assemble the potato balls: Take a small handful of mashed potatoes, flatten it on your palm, place a cube or spoonful of cheese in the center, then carefully wrap the potato mixture around it and roll into a smooth ball.
- Coat the balls: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Dip each potato ball into the egg wash, then roll generously in bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
- Fry to golden perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat (350-375°F). Fry the potato balls in batches for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the Cheesy Potato Balls while warm to experience the melty cheese inside at its best.
Notes
- Use starchy potatoes like Russets for fluffier mashed potatoes and better texture.
- Chill the mashed potato mixture before shaping balls to help them hold together.
- Fully encase the cheese within the potato to prevent leakage during frying.
- Double coat the potato balls with egg and breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness.
- Maintain the oil temperature between 350-375°F to keep balls crispy without absorbing excess oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 potato balls
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cheesy potato balls, crispy potato snack, mashed potato appetizer, party snacks, fried potato balls