I absolutely love making Baked Potato Cheese Balls! They are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer that is always a hit at parties. The combination of creamy mashed potatoes and gooey cheese makes for a mouthwatering treat.
Baked Potato Cheese Balls
To make these cheesy delights, simply mix mashed potatoes, shredded cheese, and seasonings together in a bowl. Then, roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and coat them in breadcrumbs. Pop them in the oven until golden and crispy, and you have a tasty snack that everyone will enjoy. Serve these Baked Potato Cheese Balls alongside some tangy dipping sauce, and you have a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will disappear in no time!
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Potato Preparation: Boiling the potatoes with their skin on can enhance their flavor. Make sure to chill the potatoes after boiling, as this will make them easier to handle and mash.
Cheese Selection: The recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but you can experiment with different types of cheese for varying flavors. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well.
Consistency of Potato Mixture: Ensure the potato mixture is not too wet or sticky. If it is, you might need to add a bit more flour to get the right consistency for forming balls.
Size of the Balls: Keep the size of the balls consistent for even cooking. Too large, and they may not cook through properly; too small, and they might overcook or burn.
Breading: Ensure each ball is evenly coated with the panko mixture for a uniform, crispy texture.
Baking Time: Watch the baking time closely. Overbaking can cause the cheese to ooze out, while underbaking might leave them too soft.
Serving: Serve them warm for the best taste and texture, possibly with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
1 pound (450g) potatoes, boiled with their skin on and chilled
2 spring onions, chopped
1/2 tsp (2g) garlic powder
1/4 tsp chili flakes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2/3 cup (70g) cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2 inch (1cm) cubes
1 egg, beaten
Flour (for dusting)
1 cup (60g) panko bread crumbs
1/2 tsp (2g) smoked paprika
1 tbsp (15g) oil
Instructions for Making Baked Potato Cheese Balls
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, mash the potatoes using a potato masher or grate them using the small holes of a grater.
Add green onion, garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the potatoes. Stir to combine.
In another bowl, combine panko bread crumbs with smoked paprika and oil until the oil is absorbed.
Dust your hands with flour. Take about a spoonful of the potato mixture, flatten it, and add a cheese cube in the center. Wrap and form it into a ball.
Roll the ball in flour, dip it in the beaten egg, and then roll it in the panko mixture, pressing if necessary to stick well.
Place the ball on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and crisp. Be careful not to overbake, or the cheese will start to seep out.
Cool for a few minutes before serving.