Potato Cheese Donuts with Onion Rings
Potato Cheese Donuts with Onion Rings are a crunchy, cheesy snack combining fluffy mashed potatoes and melty cheese shaped into donuts, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried to a golden crisp. Paired with thick, perfectly seasoned onion rings, this appetizer delivers a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, perfect for parties, cozy snacks, or fun cooking adventures.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts and 12 onion rings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
For the Potato Cheese Donuts
- 4 large starchy potatoes (Russets), peeled and boiled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or a blend)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (or flax eggs for vegan version)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
For the Onion Rings
- 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or Walla Walla), sliced thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying
- Vegetable or canola oil, enough for deep frying
Optional Seasonings and Variations
- Chili flakes or diced jalapeños for spicy kick
- Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme
- Seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor
- Prepare the Potatoes: Boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash thoroughly until smooth and lump-free to create a soft, creamy base for the donuts.
- Mix the Cheese and Seasonings: Stir shredded cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, beaten eggs, and flour into the mashed potatoes, forming a manageable dough that holds together but isn’t stiff.
- Shape the Donuts: Roll the dough into uniform balls and press a hole in the center to form donut shapes, ensuring even size for consistent frying.
- Bread the Donuts and Onion Rings: Coat the donuts and thick onion slices first in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally cover them evenly with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating.
- Fry Until Golden: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or fryer, and carefully fry the donuts and onion rings in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer fried items with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and serve hot.
Notes
- Use room temperature potatoes to ensure smooth dough and prevent lumps.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain oil temperature.
- Keep oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for best crispiness without greasiness.
- Drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil and keep donuts crunchy.
- Customize the crust by using seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 donuts with 2 onion rings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: potato cheese donuts, onion rings, appetizer, snack, crispy potato snack, cheesy donuts, party food, gluten-free snack, fried snacks