Name: Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large russet potatoes; 1 tablespoon milk; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 tablespoons crumbled bacon bits; 8 ounces block mozzarella cheese cut into ½ inch cubes; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt (for flour); ½ teaspoon black pepper (for flour); 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs; Canola or vegetable oil (enough for 2-inches deep frying); 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling potatoes); ½ teaspoon salt (for potatoes mashed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 33 reviews

If you’re a sucker for crispy, cheesy snacks that make your taste buds dance, then you absolutely need to try this Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe. Seriously, these golden, crunchy bites packed with gooey mozzarella and flavorful mashed potatoes are a total game-changer for appetizers or even a fun side dish. Stick with me here — I’m gonna walk you through every step so your potato cheese balls come out perfectly crispy and melty every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Potato Texture: Using russet potatoes and mashing them just right creates the ideal creamy base that holds shape without falling apart.
Melty Cheese Center: Pocketing mozzarella cubes inside each ball gives you that ooey-gooey surprise when you bite in.
Crunchy Panko Coating: The triple-dredging in flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs ensures an irresistible crispy exterior every time.
Flavor Boosts: Garlic powder, bacon bits, and a pinch of pepper add layers of savory goodness that keep you coming back for more.

Crispy Potato Cheese Balls, cheesy appetizer recipes, easy snack ideas, crispy potato snacks, mozzarella stuffed potato bites - There are nine golden brown, crispy round balls with a rough texture scattered on white parchment paper inside a white container. Each ball is sprinkled lightly with small bits of green herbs. To the top right of the balls, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth red sauce, garnished with tiny green herb pieces. The background shows a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe combines simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch together. Choosing the right type of potato and breading essentials really makes a difference, and I’ll share a few handy tips on what to look for.

Crispy Potato Cheese Balls, cheesy appetizer recipes, easy snack ideas, crispy potato snacks, mozzarella stuffed potato bites - Flat lay of two large russet potatoes peeled and chunky cut, a small white bowl of milk, a few pinches of coarse salt scattered, a small pile of black peppercorns, a small heap of garlic powder, a small mound of crumbled crispy bacon bits, mozzarella cheese block cut into half-inch cubes arranged neatly, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried parsley, and a few fresh parsley sprigs arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Russet potatoes: Their high starch content gives a fluffy, mashed texture that binds well without being gummy.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the mash without making it watery—just a splash is enough.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to bring out all the savory flavors.
Garlic powder: Subtle depth that pairs wonderfully with bacon and cheese.
Bacon bits: Little bursts of smoky, salty goodness that add a fantastic flavor dimension.
Mozzarella cheese: Choose the block kind and cut into cubes for that perfect melty center.
All-purpose flour: Helps the breading stick to the potato balls.
Eggs: Acts as the glue to hold the breadcrumbs in place.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs—key to that addictive crunch.
Dried parsley: Adds a pop of color and a touch of fresh herb flavor in the coating.
Canola or vegetable oil: For frying at a consistent high heat without burning.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how versatile this Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe is, so don’t hesitate to get creative with it! You can easily make it your own and impress guests or just switch things up on a cozy night in.

Variation: I’ve swapped mozzarella for sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese when I want a little extra zing, and it’s always a hit.
Herb Boost: Adding fresh chopped chives or rosemary into the mashed potatoes gives a lovely fragrant twist.
Spice it Up: Toss in some smoked paprika or cayenne into the potato mix if you’re craving a subtle smoky heat.
Vegetarian Version: Just leave out the bacon and add some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for a savory punch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes for Perfect Mash

I start by washing, peeling, and chopping two large russet potatoes into chunky cubes—about an inch each. Then, I cover them with cold water and add a teaspoon of salt before boiling. Keeping it uncovered and cooking until fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes) ensures they don’t get mushy but are soft enough to mash creamy. Drain well and pop them back into the pot while still warm.

Step 2: Add Flavor and Mash

This is where your flavor base builds. Add a tablespoon of milk, half a teaspoon of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and two tablespoons of bacon bits. Mash everything until smooth but not gluey. Then, let the mixture cool down enough to handle — this part is important to make sure the cheese doesn’t start melting too soon when you assemble your balls.

Step 3: Shape, Stuff, and Set Up Your Breading Station

I use an ice cream scoop to portion roughly 2 tablespoons of mashed potato—makes even-sized balls always look better and cook evenly. Flatten each scoop gently and press a cube of mozzarella in the center. Wrap the potato around it, sealing the cheese completely, and roll it back into a ball shape. Place these on a tray while you prep the breading station: three shallow dishes—one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with dried parsley.

Step 4: Bread Like a Pro

Roll each potato ball first in the flour mixture, then coat with egg, and finally roll in the panko crumbs until fully covered. Don’t rush this step—secure coating is the secret for that perfect crunch without any messy leaks in the oil.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Crispy Perfection

Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy bottomed pot over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (or use a candy thermometer if you have one). Gently place the balls in the hot oil one by one, using a slotted spoon, and fry for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally. They should be golden brown and crispy all over. Drain on paper towels, then let cool 5-10 minutes before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe

Use Russet Potatoes for Fluffiness: They mash easily and hold their shape better than waxy potatoes, making your balls easier to form.
Chill the Mashed Potato: Cooler mashed potatoes are easier to handle and less likely to fall apart when stuffing with cheese.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil around 375°F to get a golden crust without greasy sogginess.
Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer: Fry in batches to avoid temperature drops that can ruin the crispiness.

How to Serve Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe

Crispy Potato Cheese Balls, cheesy appetizer recipes, easy snack ideas, crispy potato snacks, mozzarella stuffed potato bites - The image shows a close-up of golden brown, crispy round balls with a rough, crunchy texture on the outside. One ball is open, showing a soft, creamy white inside with small bits of herbs and spices, and melted cheese stretching gently. The balls are placed on a white plate lined with white paper. In the background, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth red dipping sauce. The surface beneath the plate has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly minced parsley right after frying to brighten up the look and add a gentle herb flavor. Sometimes a dusting of smoked paprika on top also adds a lovely pop of color and smoky scent — it’s such an easy upgrade!

Side Dishes

These crispy potato cheese balls pair beautifully with a tangy marinara dipping sauce — I always have a warm bowl of that on the side. You can also serve them alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I arrange them on a large platter with dipping sauces in little bowls scattered around. I’ve also threaded them on skewers with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a fun finger-food twist that’s always a conversation starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover potato cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheating in the oven helps keep them crispy—just pop them on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Freezing

These freeze surprisingly well! I flash-freeze the formed and breaded balls on a baking tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, fry or bake them straight from frozen with a few extra minutes of cooking time.

Reheating

Forget the microwave — it makes these soggy and sad. My trick is reheating in a toaster oven or air fryer if you have one. It crisps them back up beautifully without drying out the cheesy center.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella in the Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella’s meltiness and mild flavor make it a classic choice, you can experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, gouda, or a mix of cheeses. Just make sure the cheese melts well to keep that gooey surprise inside.
How do I prevent the potato balls from falling apart while frying?

Key steps include mashing the potatoes just right—smooth but not watery—and letting them cool well before shaping. Also, make sure to seal the cheese completely inside and coat the balls thoroughly with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs to create a sturdy crust.
What oil is best for frying crispy potato cheese balls?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are ideal. They heat evenly and won’t add unwanted flavors to your crispy potato cheese balls.
Can I bake these instead of frying?

You can! Baking at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet with a light spray of oil can give you a healthier version. However, they won’t be quite as crispy as the deep-fried ones, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
How long do I need to fry the potato cheese balls?

Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally until they turn golden brown and crispy all over. Keep an eye on the oil temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked results.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Potato Cheese Balls Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to snacks because it hits all the right notes — crispy outside, cheesy inside, and packed with comforting flavors. It’s perfect for sharing or just indulging when you need a little homemade magic. I hope you enjoy making and eating these as much as I do, and I’m confident once you try them, they’ll quickly become a crowd-pleaser in your kitchen too!