I created these Yummy Potato Cheese Balls inspired by Grandma’s recipe—I can’t resist their crispy exterior paired with gooey, cheesy centers. They’re perfect for satisfying snack cravings or serving at gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’ll bet you’ll fall in love with these for several reasons: the outside turns delightfully crisp, while the mozzarella inside melts into luscious, cheesy goodness. I often serve them at game nights or casual get-togethers, and they always disappear fast.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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For the Potato Mixture:
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3 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
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For the Filling:
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or cubed
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For Coating:
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½ cup all‑purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
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For Frying:
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Oil for deep frying
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Directions
I start by boiling and mashing the potatoes, then I season the mash with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. After that, I shape the mixture into balls, inserting mozzarella inside each one. Next, I coat each ball—first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs. I deep-fry them until they’re golden and crisp outside, with molten cheese inside.
Servings and timing
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Servings: I usually make enough for about 20–25 balls, depending on their size.
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Timing: It takes me roughly 15 minutes to prepare and shape the balls, then about 5–7 minutes to fry them until golden and crispy.
(Note: This timing and serving sizes are approximate. Many similar recipes yield around 20 balls and total around 45 minutes including prep and chill time—see comparable examples I checked.)
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge— they stay good for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, I usually pop them in the oven at 180 °C (about 350 °F) for 10–12 minutes until they’re crisp again. Alternatively, I can refresh them nicely in an air fryer for a few minutes.
FAQs
How can I prevent my potato mixture from falling apart?
I make sure the mash cools thoroughly—chilled mixture holds together better when forming balls. If it’s sticky, I mix in a bit more breadcrumbs or flour.
Can I bake or air‑fry these instead of deep‑frying?
Yes, absolutely. I’ve tried both methods. Baking works best if I double‑coat with egg and breadcrumbs and bake at around 200 °C (400 °F) until golden. Air-frying at 200 °C for 10–12 minutes also gives a satisfying crunch.
Is there a way to make these ahead of time?
Yes, I often prepare and freeze the shaped balls (before frying). Once frozen solid, I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and freeze up to 2 months. When ready, I fry them from frozen—just add an extra minute or two.
What types of cheese can I use?
I stick with mozzarella for its meltiness and mild flavor. But I’ve also used cheddar or a blend—just avoid overly strong cheeses because the potato and seasoning are relatively subtle.
How do I keep them from falling apart while frying?
I make sure they’re fully coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. Some recipes recommend a “double-coat,” which adds extra protection. I also fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the oil; that keeps the temperature steady and ensures even cooking.
Conclusion
I absolutely love how these Yummy Potato Cheese Balls turn out—crispy, savory, and packed with molten cheese. They’re always a hit whether I’m entertaining or just craving something comforting. Let me know how your version turns out—I’m excited to hear about your tweaks or favorite dipping sauces!
Print
Yummy Potato Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 20–25 balls
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Yummy Potato Cheese Balls are crispy on the outside with a gooey, cheesy mozzarella center—perfect for snacking, entertaining, or indulging your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- For the Potato Mixture:
- 3 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or cubed
- For Coating:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- For Frying:
- Oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Boil and mash the potatoes until smooth. Let cool.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into balls, inserting a cube or pinch of mozzarella into the center of each.
- Coat each ball in flour, then dip in beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating.
- Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the balls in batches for 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Chill the mixture before shaping for easier handling.
- Bake or air-fry as a lighter alternative to deep-frying.
- Use cheddar or cheese blends for flavor variations.
- Freeze shaped, uncooked balls for up to 2 months. Fry from frozen with a few extra minutes.
- Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg