Introduction:
Baked Potato Cheese Balls are the ultimate comfort snack that brings together creamy mashed potatoes, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy, golden crust. These cheesy, bite-sized delights are perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even as a fun appetizer at a party. They’re easy to prepare, baked instead of fried for a healthier twist, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a snack for game day or something to satisfy your cheese cravings, these baked potato cheese balls are sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible bites right at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (or your preferred cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (optional)
- Olive oil spray (for baking)
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cheese balls from sticking to the tray and help them bake evenly.
Step 2:
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Step 3:
Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and lump-free. You can use a potato masher or a hand mixer for this step. Add in the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4:
Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before adding the shredded cheese. This will prevent the cheese from melting immediately. Stir the cheese into the mashed potatoes until it is evenly distributed.
Step 5:
Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, form small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) using your hands. If the mixture is too sticky, you can dust your hands with a bit of flour or breadcrumbs to make shaping easier.
Step 6:
Dip each potato ball into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully covered. The breadcrumbs will create a crispy outer layer when baked.
Step 7:
Place the coated potato balls on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with olive oil to help them achieve a golden-brown finish in the oven.
Step 8:
Bake the potato cheese balls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside. Turn them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
Step 9:
Once baked, remove the potato cheese balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variation:
- Cheese Variety: You can experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, Gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick. For a more decadent version, try stuffing a small cube of cheese in the center of each potato ball for an extra gooey surprise.
- Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary into the potato mixture for a more aromatic and flavorful twist.
- Spices: Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Cooking Note:
- For best results, ensure that the mashed potatoes are cooled slightly before adding the cheese. Hot potatoes will cause the cheese to melt prematurely, making the mixture harder to handle.
- If the potato mixture feels too soft to shape, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm it up.
- While baking, spraying the potato balls with oil helps them crisp up, so don’t skip this step.
Serving Suggestions:
Baked Potato Cheese Balls are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dips such as:
- Sour cream and chive dip
- Marinara sauce
- Ranch dressing
- Barbecue sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
They can also be served alongside a fresh salad or as a side dish to complement main courses like grilled chicken or burgers. For a fun twist, serve them on toothpicks for easy, mess-free snacking at parties or gatherings.
Tips:
- If you want to make these ahead of time, shape the potato balls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes party prep a breeze!
- You can freeze unbaked potato balls for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake them, place them directly in the oven from frozen. Just add an additional 5-7 minutes to the baking time.
- For an extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- To make shaping easier, refrigerate the mashed potato mixture for about 30 minutes before forming the balls.
Prep Time:
- 20 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 20 minutes
Total Time:
- 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving of 4 balls):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 290mg
FAQs:
1. Can I make these potato cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time! You can refrigerate the shaped potato balls for up to 24 hours before baking or freeze them for longer storage.
2. Can I fry these instead of baking them?
Absolutely! If you prefer a crispier texture, you can fry the potato cheese balls in hot oil (about 350°F) for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Just be sure to drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
3. What kind of cheese works best?
Cheddar is a popular choice because it melts well and adds a nice sharp flavor. However, mozzarella, Gouda, or even Parmesan can work great depending on your taste preferences.
4. How do I keep the cheese from oozing out?
To prevent cheese from leaking out during baking, make sure the potato mixture is cool before adding the cheese and form the balls tightly. Also, ensure they are fully coated with breadcrumbs.
Conclusion:
Baked Potato Cheese Balls are a delightful treat that is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish and can easily be customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a new way to enjoy potatoes, these cheesy bites will quickly become a favorite. Easy to make, healthier since they’re baked, and packed with flavor, these potato cheese balls are sure to please everyone at the table. So, next time you’re craving something cheesy and comforting, give these a try—you won’t regret it!
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Baked Potato Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded (or your preferred cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (optional)
- Olive oil spray (for baking)
Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cheese balls from sticking to the tray and help them bake evenly.
Step 2:
Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Step 3:
Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and lump-free. You can use a potato masher or a hand mixer for this step. Add in the butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
Step 4:
Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly before adding the shredded cheese. This will prevent the cheese from melting immediately. Stir the cheese into the mashed potatoes until it is evenly distributed.
Step 5:
Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, form small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter) using your hands. If the mixture is too sticky, you can dust your hands with a bit of flour or breadcrumbs to make shaping easier.
Step 6:
Dip each potato ball into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully covered. The breadcrumbs will create a crispy outer layer when baked.
Step 7:
Place the coated potato balls on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with olive oil to help them achieve a golden-brown finish in the oven.
Step 8:
Bake the potato cheese balls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside. Turn them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
Step 9:
Once baked, remove the potato cheese balls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure that the mashed potatoes are cooled slightly before adding the cheese. Hot potatoes will cause the cheese to melt prematurely, making the mixture harder to handle.
- If the potato mixture feels too soft to shape, refrigerate it for 30 minutes to firm it up.
- While baking, spraying the potato balls with oil helps them crisp up, so don’t skip this step.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 290mg
- Protein: 7g