Cheesy Potato Balls – Crispy Outside, Melty Inside

Carefully drop the potato balls into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the balls for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to turn the balls gently to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. Once fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Cheesy Potato Balls are crispy and golden, serve them hot! They’re perfect as a stand-alone snack or appetizer, or you can serve them with a dipping sauce such as sour cream, ketchup, or a spicy mayo for added flavor. They also make a great side dish alongside burgers or grilled meats.

Make-Ahead & Storage

These Cheesy Potato Balls can be made ahead of time. After shaping the balls, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to make them in advance, you can also freeze the un-fried potato balls. Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to fry, simply cook them straight from frozen for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

Tips

• If you want extra flavor in the filling, you can add sautéed onions, garlic, or even diced cooked bacon to the mashed potatoes before forming the balls.
• For a healthier option, you can bake the potato balls in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, instead of frying them.
• For an extra crispy crust, you can coat the potato balls in breadcrumbs before frying, which will add a wonderful crunch.