Crispy Potato Cheese Balls
Crispy Potato Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 4 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- 1
Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into thick rounds, then quarter each round. Place the cut potato pieces into a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the boiled potatoes thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
⏱️ 20 min
- 3
Add the softened unsalted butter to the hot potatoes. Mash the potatoes thoroughly with a potato masher until smooth and no lumps remain.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Season the mashed potatoes with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with a wooden spoon until a cohesive potato mixture is formed and the spices are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 3 min
- 5
Take a small portion (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) of the potato mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place two small cubes of cheddar cheese in the center of the flattened potato mixture.
⏱️ 5 min
- 6
Carefully roll and seal the potato mixture around the cheese, shaping it into a smooth, round ball. Ensure there are no cracks for the cheese to escape during frying. Repeat this process with the remaining potato mixture and cheese to form approximately 16-20 balls.
⏱️ 10 min
- 7
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 350
- 8
Carefully place 4-5 potato cheese balls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the potato cheese balls for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 350
- 9
Remove the fried balls from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl lined with parchment paper or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining potato cheese balls.
⏱️ 5 min
- 10
Serve the potato cheese balls hot, optionally with your favorite dipping sauce.
⏱️ 2 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Crispy Potato Cheese Balls
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 4 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying
Instructions
- 1
Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into thick rounds, then quarter each round. Place the cut potato pieces into a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the boiled potatoes thoroughly and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
⏱️ 20 min - 3
Add the softened unsalted butter to the hot potatoes. Mash the potatoes thoroughly with a potato masher until smooth and no lumps remain.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Season the mashed potatoes with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with a wooden spoon until a cohesive potato mixture is formed and the spices are evenly distributed.
⏱️ 3 min - 5
Take a small portion (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) of the potato mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place two small cubes of cheddar cheese in the center of the flattened potato mixture.
⏱️ 5 min - 6
Carefully roll and seal the potato mixture around the cheese, shaping it into a smooth, round ball. Ensure there are no cracks for the cheese to escape during frying. Repeat this process with the remaining potato mixture and cheese to form approximately 16-20 balls.
⏱️ 10 min - 7
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 350 - 8
Carefully place 4-5 potato cheese balls into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the potato cheese balls for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 350 - 9
Remove the fried balls from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl lined with parchment paper or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining potato cheese balls.
⏱️ 5 min - 10
Serve the potato cheese balls hot, optionally with your favorite dipping sauce.
⏱️ 2 min