Crispy Potato Cheese Balls

If you love mashed potato balls, I think you’ll fall for these potato cheese balls too. They’re close cousins, but not quite the same. Mashed potato balls usually mix the cheese and seasonings right into the potatoes, and they’re often a clever way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.

Potato cheese balls hide a pocket of cheese inside a soft, spiced potato dough. They are fried until golden. The result is crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and filled with melty, stretchy cheese. They’re my go-to when I want a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer without much fuss.

Potato Cheese Balls Recipe

Key Ingredients

Russet potatoes are perfect for potato cheese balls because they mash up soft and fluffy with a dry texture. This makes the potato mixture easy to shape and helps it hold together around the cheese.

Mozzarella: A cube of mozzarella in the center melts into a soft, stretchy pocket of cheese. I use a block of low-moisture mozzarella because it melts well without adding too much moisture.

Cornstarch helps firm up the potato mixture, making it easier to wrap around the cheese and seal the balls.

Panko gives the balls a light, extra-crispy coating. You can use regular breadcrumbs. But they are finer, so the coating won’t be quite as crunchy.

Tips & Tricks

Seal the cheese completely: Make sure the potato mixture completely covers the cheese and pinch the edges closed. Any small opening can let the melted cheese escape into the oil.

Chill the mixture until firm: A cold potato mixture is much easier to shape and won’t stick as much to your hands. If it still feels sticky, chill it a little longer.

Fry in small batches: Adding too many balls at once can drop the oil temperature and leave the coating greasy. I fry them in small batches so they have enough room to cook and crisp up properly.

This is my simple recipe for Crispy Potato Cheese Balls:

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Crispy Potato Cheese Balls

Crispy fried potato balls with a gooey mozzarella center, wrapped in a seasoned mashed potato shell and a crunchy panko coating.

⏱ Prep 30 min🔥 Cook 25 min⏰ Total 1 hr 25 min⏳ Chilling Time 30 min🟢 Easy🍽 Appetizer🌍 American

Rate this recipe ★★★★★

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Ingredients

Servings:

− 20 +

US Metric

• Potato Mixture
• 2 lbsrusset potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
• 1/4 cupcornstarch
• 1egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoongarlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoonsalt
• 1/4 teaspoonblack pepper
• Filling
• 8 ozlow-moisture mozzarella (cut into 20 cubes, about 3/4 inch each)
• Coating
• 1/2 cupall-purpose flour
• 2eggs (beaten)
• 1 1/2 cupspanko breadcrumbs
• vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. 1Boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes, until very tender. Drain well and let them sit in the colander for 2 minutes so the steam escapes.
2. 2Mash the potatoes until completely smooth, without adding milk or butter.
3. 3Stir in the cornstarch, egg yolk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until you have a firm, dough-like mixture.
4. 4Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, until firm enough to shape.
5. 5Set up three shallow bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and panko.
6. 6Scoop about 2 1/2 tablespoons of the potato mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Wrap the potato around the cheese, pinching to seal completely, and roll into a smooth ball.
7. 7Roll each ball in flour, then egg, then panko.
8. 8Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat to 350°F (175°C).
9. 9Fry the balls in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning once, until deep golden brown and the cheese is melted inside.
10. 10Drain on a paper towel-lined plate and serve warm.

Nutrition per serving

140

cal

15g

carbs

6g

fat

6g

protein

190mg

sodium

📌 Notes

• Dry mashed potatoes are the key. Extra moisture makes the balls fall apart in the oil.
• Seal the cheese completely inside the potato so it does not leak while frying.
• Fry a few at a time so the oil stays hot and the coating stays crisp.
• Serve with marinara or ranch for dipping.

By Sam

How to Pair

Crispy Potato Cheese Balls taste crunchy, creamy, cheesy, and savory. They go well with fresh dips, crisp salads, and refreshing drinks. You can enjoy them with:

• Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup for dipping.
• Coleslaw, cucumber salad, or a simple green salad for a fresh contrast.
• Grilled chicken, burgers, or roasted vegetables for a filling meal.
• Sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or a light lager to refresh the palate.