Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe

If you’re looking for a snack that’s crispy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy to whip up, these crispy potato cheese balls are about to become your new best friend. Trust me, once you try these, there’s no going back. They’re a hit at parties, perfect for after-school snacks, or even as a little treat for yourself because, why not?

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve always had a soft spot for recipes that let me use up leftover mashed potatoes. Not only does it reduce food waste, but it also feels like a mini win in the kitchen. These potato cheese balls are just that—a clever way to transform humble ingredients into something amazing. Plus, they’re super customizable, so you can tweak them to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it simple with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes (leftovers work great!)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

How to Make Crispy Potato Cheese Balls

Making these cheese balls is as easy as it gets. Here’s how you do it:

1. Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined and you can form a dough-like consistency.

2. Shape the Balls

Take small portions of the potato mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. If the mixture feels sticky, lightly dust your hands with flour to make shaping easier.

3. Coat the Balls

Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs. Roll each ball in flour, dip it in the egg, and coat it with breadcrumbs. This triple coating gives the cheese balls their signature crunch.

4. Fry Until Golden

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry the potato cheese balls in batches until they’re golden brown and crispy. It usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Tips for the Best Potato Cheese Balls

• Use cold mashed potatoes: This helps the mixture hold its shape better.
• Cheese matters: Mozzarella gives you that gooey center, but you can mix in other cheeses like cheddar or Gouda for extra flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many at once can lower the oil temperature, making the balls soggy instead of crispy.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy potato cheese balls are incredibly versatile. Serve them with a side of marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. They’re also great as part of a larger appetizer platter.

Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?

Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the cheese balls. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray them with a little cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through for even browning.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Cheese Balls: Add a pinch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the potato mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Lovers: Experiment with different herbs like chives, dill, or basil to change up the flavor profile.
• Stuffed Cheese Balls: Hide a small cube of cheese inside each ball for a gooey surprise when you bite into them.

Storage and Reheating

If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, but it happens!), store the cooled cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that crispy texture.

Pro Tip

When frying, make sure your oil is at the right temperature—around 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the balls will burn on the outside while staying cold inside. Too cool, and they’ll soak up too much oil and become greasy.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy potato cheese ball. They’re crunchy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and downright amazing. Whether you’re making them for a party or just because you’re in the mood for something fun, these cheese balls never disappoint. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out!