Description
These easy cheesy potato balls with mozzarella filling are crispy on the outside and wonderfully gooey inside, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
- 1 cup shredded or cubed mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 3–4 cups neutral oil (canola) for frying
- 0.5 tsp salt, plus more for seasoning
- 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil and Mash Potatoes: Place diced potatoes in a large pot, cover with salted cold water. Boil for 15-20 minutes until very tender. Drain thoroughly, then mash until completely smooth, seeing steam rise.
- Cool and Form Dough: Let mashed potatoes cool for 10 minutes until warm. Mix in 0.5 cup all-purpose flour and beaten egg. A pliable, slightly sticky dough will form.
- Fill and Shape Balls: Flatten 1.5 Tbsp potato mixture into a 2-inch disc. Place a 0.5-inch Mozzarella cube in the center. Roll into a smooth ball, sealing completely to prevent leaks.
- Coat the Balls: Prepare three shallow dishes: flour, beaten egg, breadcrumbs. Roll each potato ball first in flour, then egg, then coat generously with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry until Golden: Heat 3-4 cups neutral oil in a deep 10-inch skillet to 350(degree)F (175(degree)C). Fry in batches for 3-5 minutes, turning, until golden and crispy. Cheese will be melty.
- Alternatively Bake or Air Fry: For lighter results, bake at 375(degree)F (190(degree)C) for 15-20 minutes. Or, air fry at 375(degree)F (190(degree)C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Notes
Ensure frying oil is hot enough (350(degree)F or 175(degree)C) before adding potato balls to prevent oil absorption. Make sure to seal potato balls completely when shaping to prevent cheese from leaking. For lighter results, consider baking at 375(degree)F (190(degree)C) for 15-20 minutes or air frying at 375(degree)F (190(degree)C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 potato balls (approx 150 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg