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A close-up of golden-brown potato cheese balls on a serving plate.

Classic Potato Cheese Balls

These classic potato cheese balls are crispy on the outside and wonderfully creamy on the inside. They make a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Pot
  • Mashing tool
  • Shallow dishes
  • Baking sheet
  • Deep pan or pot (for frying) or Oven (for baking)
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

Potato Mixture

  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold)
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder optional

Breading

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

For Frying/Baking

  • Vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil for frying or cooking spray/oil for baking

Instructions
 

Prepare the Potatoes

  • Place diced potatoes in cold, salted water, bring to a boil, and cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Thoroughly drain the cooked potatoes.
  • Mash the drained potatoes until smooth, then stir in shredded cheese, cornstarch (or flour), salt, pepper, and optional seasonings. Mix well until combined and cool slightly.

Form and Chill

  • Roll about a tablespoon of the potato mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls.
  • Set up a breading station with beaten eggs and Panko breadcrumbs in separate dishes.
  • Dip each potato ball in beaten egg, then roll it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Place breaded balls on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Potato Balls

  • Frying: Heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry potato balls in batches until golden brown and crispy (3-5 minutes per batch), then drain on paper towels.
  • Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly spray or brush balls with oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Serve

  • Serve the hot potato cheese balls with your favorite dips.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the potato mixture. Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature for frying to achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside. If baking, a light spritz of oil helps with browning.