Cheese-Stuffed Potato Balls are a delightful and indulgent snack or appetizer. These golden-brown, crispy balls are made from mashed potatoes, filled with gooey, melted cheese, and deep-fried to perfection. The exterior is crunchy, while the interior is creamy and cheesy, making for a delicious contrast in textures. Garnished with finely chopped chives, these potato balls are not only tasty but also visually appealing. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a treat for cheese lovers.
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped chives
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Boil the Potatoes: Begin by boiling the peeled potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Mash the Potatoes: Mash the potatoes in a large bowl until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form the Balls: Take a small handful of mashed potatoes and flatten it in your palm. Place a small amount of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center and fold the mashed potatoes around the cheese, forming a ball. Repeat with the remaining mashed potatoes and cheese.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Potato Balls: Roll each potato ball in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Ensure each ball is evenly coated.
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower the potato balls into the hot oil in batches, frying until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried potato balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the potato balls with finely chopped chives before serving.
Serve:
Serve the Cheese-Stuffed Potato Balls hot, with your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli. They make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Calories:
Each Cheese-Stuffed Potato Ball contains approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the size and the amount of cheese used. This estimate includes the calories from the potatoes, cheese, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and oil used for frying.
Additional Tips:
- Customization: You can experiment with different types of cheese fillings, such as cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese, to add variety to your potato balls.
- Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the potato balls in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Storage: Leftover potato balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness.
Enjoy your delicious Cheese-Stuffed Potato Balls! 🍴🧀