Baked Potato Balls are a fun, crispy, and delicious way to enjoy mashed potatoes. They’re perfect as a side dish, snack, or appetizer. These balls are typically made by mixing mashed potatoes with cheese, herbs, and seasonings, then forming them into balls, coating them in breadcrumbs, and baking them until golden and crispy. Here’s a simple recipe to make Baked Potato Balls:
Baked Potato Balls Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or cream cheese for extra creaminess)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or spray for coating)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
- Peel and dice the potatoes. Place them in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth (or slightly chunky, depending on your preference). You can also use a potato masher or a hand mixer for this.
2. Make the Potato Filling:
- Once the potatoes are mashed, add the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, green onions (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Form the Potato Balls:
- Allow the mashed potato mixture to cool slightly before handling it. Then, use your hands or a spoon to form small balls about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. If the mixture is too sticky, lightly coat your hands with flour.
- Once all the balls are formed, set them aside on a plate or baking sheet.
4. Coat the Potato Balls:
- Set up a breading station: Place the flour in a shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third.
- Roll each potato ball in the flour, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs. Make sure each ball is well-coated in breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
5. Bake the Potato Balls:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the breaded potato balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If desired, drizzle or spray them with a little olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake the potato balls for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
6. Serve:
- Once baked, remove the potato balls from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, sour cream, or ketchup for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dip Sauces: Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, sour cream, or a spicy mayo.
- As a Side Dish: These baked potato balls make a great side dish for burgers, steaks, or roasted chicken.
- Appetizer: They’re perfect as an appetizer at parties, holidays, or game-day gatherings.
Tips:
- Add-ins: Feel free to customize the filling with other ingredients like crumbled bacon, diced ham, cooked vegetables, or different cheeses.
- Freezing: You can prepare the potato balls ahead of time and freeze them before baking. To bake from frozen, increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
- Crispier Texture: For an even crispier exterior, you can double-coat the potato balls by dipping them back into the egg and breadcrumbs after the first coating.
These Baked Potato Balls are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them a delicious and satisfying treat for any occasion. Enjoy!