Ingredients:

• 2 large potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 1 egg, beaten
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• Marinara sauce or ketchup for dipping

Instructions:

Prepare the Potatoes:

• Peel and boil the potatoes until fork-tender. Drain and mash them thoroughly in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Mix Ingredients:

• To the mashed potatoes, add shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley or cilantro (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Shape into Balls:

• Take a small portion of the potato mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms. Aim for bite-sized balls that are easy to handle and eat.

Coat with Breadcrumbs:

• Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Dip each potato ball into the beaten egg, then roll in the breadcrumbs until evenly coated. This coating helps create a crispy exterior when fried.

Chill (Optional):

• For best results, chill the coated potato balls in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape better during frying.

Fry the Potato Cheese Balls:

• Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated potato balls into the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding.
• Fry for about 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried potato balls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serve:

• Let the potato cheese balls cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with marinara sauce, ketchup, or any favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the potato cheese balls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Benefits:

• Potato Cheese Balls are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack that combines creamy mashed potatoes with gooey cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.
• They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or as a fun and tasty treat for kids’ lunch boxes.

Enjoy making these Potato Cheese Balls with your family! They are sure to be a hit with their crispy exterior and cheesy, creamy interior.