Cheesy Potato Balls

Here’s a fun and delicious recipe for Cheesy Potato Balls, a perfect snack or side dish that is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside with a cheesy, flavorful filling. These potato balls are great for parties, potlucks, or as a comforting appetizer for any occasion!

Ingredients:

For the potato filling:

• 3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
• 1 egg (for binding)

For the coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko works best for extra crunch)
• Oil for frying (vegetable oil or canola oil)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the potatoes:
   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the peeled and cubed potatoes and cook until they are fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes until smooth, and let them cool slightly.
2. Make the filling:
   To the mashed potatoes, add the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted through. If you’re using green onions, add them now. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then add the egg and mix until the mixture is smooth and sticky.
3. Shape the balls:
   Using your hands, scoop about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the potato mixture is used up, forming 12-15 balls.
4. Coat the potato balls:
   Set up a breading station. Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third. Dredge each potato ball in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs, making sure it’s fully covered.
5. Fry the potato balls:
   Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying. Fry the potato balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove the fried potato balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
   Serve the cheesy potato balls hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or sour cream.

Tips for Success:

• Filling Variations: You can add bacon bits, shredded ham, or even jalapeños for extra flavor.
• Baking Option: If you prefer to bake the potato balls, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the potato balls, coat them in breadcrumbs, and freeze them. You can fry or bake them directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Why These Cheesy Potato Balls Are Great:

These cheesy potato balls are perfect because they combine the comforting, creamy texture of mashed potatoes with a crispy, golden coating. The gooey melted cheese inside makes them a crowd-pleasing snack, and they’re incredibly versatile — you can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste.

Conclusion:

Cheesy potato balls are a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and full of flavor. Whether served at a party or as a family dinner side dish, these cheesy potato balls are sure to be a hit! Enjoy these crispy, cheesy delights with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.