Description
Cheese Stuffed Potato Balls
Ingredients:
2 cups mashed potatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
Oil for frying
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Take a small scoop of mashed potatoes and flatten it in your hand.
2. Place a small cube or pinch of shredded cheese in the center, then roll it into a ball, sealing the cheese inside.
3. Roll each ball in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan and fry the potato balls until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and garnish with parsley.
6. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed process for perfect cheese-stuffed potato balls. First, ensure your mashed potatoes are cold; this makes them firmer and easier to handle. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with two beaten eggs (add a pinch of salt), and one with breadcrumbs. For the filling, use about a teaspoon of shredded cheese per ball, compacting it slightly to prevent air pockets. When shaping, take a heaping tablespoon of potato, flatten it into a disc in your palm, add the cheese, and carefully wrap the potato around it, pinching to seal completely. Roll the sealed ball lightly in flour, then fully coat in the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Finally, roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they adhere. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or pan. Fry in batches for 2-4 minutes until deeply golden brown, turning occasionally for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy potato balls are versatile. Serve them immediately as a hot appetizer with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo. For a hearty snack or light meal, pair them with a fresh green salad. They also make an excellent side dish alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or steak. For a fun twist, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and a drizzle of truffle oil immediately after frying.
How-to Summary
To summarize: 1) Shape cold mashed potato around compacted cheese, sealing tightly. 2) Dredge each ball sequentially in flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs. 3) Deep fry at 350°F until golden brown. 4) Drain on paper towels and serve warm with your favorite dips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and golden.
Can I prepare them ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble the breaded balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This can actually help the coating set better.
What’s the best cheese to use? Mozzarella offers a classic stretchy melt, while cheddar provides a sharper flavor. For best results, use low-moisture, block cheese that you shred yourself, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect meltiness.
Why did my potato balls break open in the oil? This usually means the potato layer was too thin, the cheese wasn’t fully sealed inside, or the oil temperature was too low, causing them to sit too long before sealing.
Can I freeze them? Yes. Freeze the uncooked, breaded balls solid on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using warm or freshly made mashed potatoes, as they are too soft and sticky. Ensure the cheese is fully sealed inside the potato to prevent leaks during frying. Do not overcrowd the frying pot, as this drastically lowers the oil temperature and leads to greasy, soggy balls. Always let the oil return to the correct temperature (350°F) between batches. Finally, do not skip the flour dredging step, as it helps the egg wash adhere, creating a stable base for the crispy breadcrumb coating.
Conclusion
Cheese-stuffed potato balls are a crowd-pleasing treat that combines creamy, fluffy potato with a molten cheese center, all wrapped in a satisfying crispy shell. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and experimenting with different cheeses and dips, you can master this simple yet impressive dish. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a fun family cooking project, these golden bites are sure to deliver delicious, cheesy goodness in every bite.