Potato balls with cheese

Potato Balls with Cheese – Crispy Outside, Gooey Inside

Potato Balls with Cheese are the ultimate comfort snack—golden and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with a delicious melted cheese center. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun appetizer the whole family will love.

Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results at home. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible snack that disappears fast.

Ingredients

3 cups mashed potatoes (cold, well-seasoned)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 large egg
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste

For coating

½ cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

For frying

Vegetable oil (for deep or shallow frying)

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowl
Small bowl for egg wash
Frying pan or deep fryer
Slotted spoon
Paper towels

Instructions

1. Prepare the potato mixture

In a large bowl, combine mashed potatoes, shredded cheddar, egg, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and firm enough to shape.

2. Shape the balls

Take about 1 tablespoon of the potato mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then gently roll into a ball, making sure the cheese is fully sealed inside.

Repeat until all the mixture is used.

3. Coat the potato balls

Roll each ball in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.

4. Fry until golden

Heat oil in a pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potato balls in batches for 2–3 minutes, turning gently, until golden brown and crispy.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

5. Serve hot

Serve immediately while the cheese inside is melted and gooey.

Serving Suggestions

Potato balls with cheese pair perfectly with:

Marinara sauce
Garlic aioli
Ranch dressing
Spicy ketchup or chili sauce

They also make a great side dish alongside burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Potato Balls

Use cold mashed potatoes – warm potatoes are harder to shape.
Seal well – any openings may cause cheese to leak while frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – this keeps the oil temperature steady.
Double coat for crunch – extra breadcrumbs mean extra crispiness.

Variations

Baked version: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning once.
Air fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Spicy: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños to the potato mixture.
Herbed: Mix in parsley or chives for fresh flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store cooked potato balls for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked, breaded balls for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Oven or air fryer is best to maintain crispness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Potato Balls with Cheese are simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. The contrast between the crispy coating and molten cheese center makes them a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hosting a party or craving a comforting snack, Potato Balls with Cheese are a must-try recipe. Crispy, cheesy, and easy to make, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.