cheesy potato balls

1. Boil the Potatoes:
   Start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into small chunks. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
2. Mash the Potatoes:
   Mash the boiled potatoes until smooth, adding butter, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the potatoes are creamy and well seasoned. The mash should be thick enough to hold its shape when formed into balls.
3. Add the Cheese:
   Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. The heat from the potatoes will help melt the cheese, creating a wonderfully gooey and cheesy texture in the mashed potatoes. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, making it easier to handle.
4. Form the Potato Balls:
   Once the potato mixture is cool enough to touch, scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the mashed potato mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have a plate full of cheesy potato balls.
5. Coat the Potato Balls:
   Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:

In the first bowl, add flour.
In the second bowl, place the beaten egg.
In the third bowl, add breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for an extra crispy texture). Roll each potato ball in the flour first, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is fully coated to achieve that perfect golden, crispy crust.

6. Fry or Bake the Potato Balls:
   For Frying:
   Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully drop the potato balls into the oil. Fry in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove the potato balls from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

For Baking:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Place the potato balls on the sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Spray them lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once your cheesy potato balls are perfectly golden, remove them from the oil or oven. Allow them to cool slightly before serving. These potato balls are best enjoyed hot, as the cheese inside will be beautifully melty. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, ketchup, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.

Tips for Success:
Customize the Cheese: While cheddar is a classic, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Mozzarella adds a wonderfully stretchy texture, or you could use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
Make Ahead: You can prepare these cheesy potato balls in advance! Assemble the balls and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. When ready to serve, simply fry or bake them.
Add-ins: For extra flavor, you can mix in cooked bacon bits, green onions, or even finely chopped spinach or herbs. The possibilities are endless!
Air Fryer Option: If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can cook these potato balls in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the potato balls for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
Why These Cheesy Potato Balls Are So Irresistible:
Crispy Exterior, Cheesy Interior: The combination of a crunchy, golden breadcrumb coating with the soft, cheesy mashed potato center makes for an addictive bite that’s hard to resist.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, cheesy potato balls are a breeze to make. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend snack.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just feeding the family, these cheesy potato balls are guaranteed to disappear fast. They’re easy to share and fun to eat!
Customizable: You can adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the mashed potatoes. Prefer a milder flavor? Stick to the classic cheese and potato combo.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love cheesy snacks, and the bite-sized nature of these potato balls makes them perfect for little hands. They’re sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Final Thoughts:
Cheesy Potato Balls are the ultimate comfort food — crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and absolutely irresistible. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’ll satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for more. With their versatility, ease of preparation, and mouthwatering flavors, these cheesy potato balls are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Give them a try next time you’re in the mood for something cheesy, crispy, and delicious — and enjoy every bite!

Happy cooking!