Fried Potato Cheese Balls Recipe: Easy & Crispy Appetizer

Craving a Deliciously Cheesy Snack? You Need These Fried Potato Cheese Balls!

Okay, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the combination of potatoes and cheese? These Fried Potato Cheese Balls are the ultimate comfort food – crispy on the outside, melty and cheesy on the inside, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for an impressive appetizer, a fun game-day snack, or just something delicious to munch on, these little golden spheres are guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love It

• Irresistibly Crispy Texture: The outer layer gets wonderfully golden and crunchy when fried.
• Melty, Gooey Center: The combination of mashed potatoes and cheese creates a warm, comforting, and unbelievably cheesy interior.
• Easy to Prepare: You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated techniques to make these. They’re surprisingly simple!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These are a crowd-pleaser at parties, family gatherings, or a fun treat for yourself.
• Highly Customizable: You can easily adjust the cheese types and seasonings to your taste.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance between the starchy potatoes and the flavorful, melty cheese. We’re not just throwing ingredients together; we’re crafting a textural masterpiece. The key is using slightly cooled mashed potatoes which will allow them to hold their shape when formed into balls and fried to golden perfection. This creates a pillowy, light and fluffy inside with an amazing contrast to the golden crust. You’ll find the inside texture is very different from a standard potato ball.

Ingredient List

• 2 lbs Russet Potatoes: These create a nice fluffy mash.
• 1/2 cup Milk: Helps in achieving a creamy consistency for the mashed potatoes.
• 4 tbsp Butter: Adds flavor and richness to the mash.
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds that classic cheesy flavor and melty texture.
• 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For extra meltiness and a nice cheese pull.
• 1/2 tsp Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the recipe.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth of flavor.
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: Used for coating the cheese balls before frying, giving it a golden and crispy crust.
• 2 Eggs, beaten: Helps the flour and bread crumbs to adhere to the cheese balls.
• 1 cup Bread Crumbs: Provides the ultimate crispy crust.
• Vegetable Oil for Frying: Enough to deep fry the cheese balls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into large chunks and place them in a large pot. Cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the milk and butter and mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Allow to cool slightly.
3. Mix in the Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until the cheese is evenly distributed.
4. Form the Balls: Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and form it into a small ball, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
5. Set up the Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.
6. Bread the Balls: Take each potato ball and dredge it in the flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with the bread crumbs, making sure each is evenly covered.
7. Heat the Oil: Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the balls.
8. Fry the Balls: Carefully place a few of the breaded potato balls in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
9. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Get creative with your toppings! Consider serving these with:

• A side of marinara sauce for dipping
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Sprinkling of fresh herbs like parsley or chives

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overwork the Potatoes: Over-mixing the potatoes can result in a gummy texture. Mash them just until smooth.
• Cool the Mashed Potatoes: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly before adding the cheese. This will help the cheese from melting too early.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop can help you make consistently sized balls.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many balls at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy cheese balls.
• Keep the Oil Temperature Consistent: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at 350°F (175°C). If the oil gets too cold they will not be crispy enough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack, gouda, or provolone. Use any cheese that melts well.
• Can these be made ahead of time? The cheese balls can be formed and breaded a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Fry them just before serving.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
• Can I bake them instead of frying? Yes, you can bake these, but they may not be as crispy. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
• What can I use instead of bread crumbs? You can use crushed crackers, panko bread crumbs, or even cornflake crumbs for a different texture.

Variations and Customization Options

There are plenty of ways to add your own twist to this recipe. Try:

• Spicy Cheese Balls: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the potato mixture for a kick.
• Garlic and Herb Cheese Balls: Mix in finely minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Balls: Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the potato mixture for extra savory flavor.
• Jalapeno Cheese Balls: Add finely chopped jalapenos to the potato mix for a little heat. Remove the seeds for less heat.

Serving Suggestions

These Fried Potato Cheese Balls are perfect on their own, as an appetizer, or as a side dish. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, alongside burgers, or as a fun addition to a tapas spread. They are especially great for parties or game nights, and they make a delightful snack for kids and adults alike.

Conclusion

These Fried Potato Cheese Balls are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – crispy, cheesy, and unbelievably delicious. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion. So, grab your potatoes and cheese, and get ready to create some golden, cheesy magic! Don’t forget to snap a photo of your creations and share them online, we’d love to see them! Subscribe to our newsletter for more yummy recipes, tips, and tricks!